1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 40 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 676 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, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 148 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 | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 45 L |
