1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 43 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 445 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1320 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 643 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 62 L |
