1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 53 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1061 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | C |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 66 L |
