1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz A 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 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | A |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2430 mm |
