1961 Alpine A 108 vs. 1959 BMW 700
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 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 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 10 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Alpine A 108 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 700 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1961 Alpine A 108.
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, 1961 Alpine A 108 (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Alpine A 108 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Alpine A 108 | 1959 BMW 700 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 108 | 700 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 695 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 50 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 31 L |
