1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2006 BMW 550
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 47 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 550 weights approximately 1170 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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 431 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 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 | 2006 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 70 L |
