1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 44 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 1170 kg more than 1959 Alpine A 106.
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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 2003 BMW 520 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. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 167 HP |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 70 L |
