1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 38 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 630 kg more than 1959 Alpine A 106.
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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 115 HP |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 55 L |
