1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1998 BMW 320
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 39 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 2,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 945 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.
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, 1998 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 1998 BMW 320 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. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 1998 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 2169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 63 L |
