1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 37 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 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1650 kg more than 1959 Alpine A 106.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 525 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1959 Alpine A 106 has manual transmission. 1959 Alpine A 106 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 389 HP |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 100 L |
