1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 629 kg more than 1959 Alpine A 106.
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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1159 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 55 L |
