1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 595 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 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 | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2470 mm |
