1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 52 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1752 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, 2011 Volkswagen 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, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 55 L |
