1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 49 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1515 kg more than 1959 Alpine A 106.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 785 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 510 HP |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 80 L |
