1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 50 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 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B (114 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 915 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B, 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz B (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz B 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | B |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 54 L |
