1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 48 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), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 1105 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 433 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 2007 BMW 550 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. 2007 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2007 |
| 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 | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 70 L |
