1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1992 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1992 Mercury Tracer is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Alpine A 106. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Alpine A 106 would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercury Tracer (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 540 kg more than 1959 Alpine A 106. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Alpine A 106 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Alpine A 106. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Mercury Tracer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1992 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1992 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 1992 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercury |
| Model | A 106 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2510 mm |
