1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2004 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 2004 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 45 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Jensen SV-8 weights approximately 745 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, 2004 Jensen SV-8 (439 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 382 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Jensen SV-8 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 | 2004 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | Alpine | Jensen |
| Model | A 106 | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2410 mm |
