1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 333 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1960 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Alpine A 106. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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 GL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 473 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | GL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 2515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 100 L |
