1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 741 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 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 55 L |
