1961 Alpine A 108 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 2,463 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (204 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1961 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1961 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 725 kg more than 1961 Alpine A 108. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alpine A 108. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Alpine A 108 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 108 | 190 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 2463 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 70 L |
