1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 840 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 190 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 190 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 55 L |
