1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 54 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 778 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 55 L |
