1961 Alpine A 108 vs. 1959 Berkeley Twosome
To start off, 1961 Alpine A 108 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Twosome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Twosome would be higher. At 843 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Alpine A 108 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Alpine A 108 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. (18 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Alpine A 108 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Alpine A 108 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Alpine A 108 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 1961 Alpine A 108. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Twosome, 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, 1961 Alpine A 108 (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. (37 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Alpine A 108 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley Twosome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Alpine A 108 | 1959 Berkeley Twosome | |
| Make | Alpine | Berkeley |
| Model | A 108 | Twosome |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 37 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1280 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 1790 mm |
