1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (276 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1400 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Alpine A 106. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 88 L |
