1961 Alpine A 108 vs. 1996 Proton 400
To start off, 1996 Proton 400 is newer by 35 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1961 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1961 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Proton 400 weights approximately 395 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.
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, 1996 Proton 400, 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, 1996 Proton 400 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alpine A 108. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Proton 400 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 | 1996 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Alpine | Proton |
| Model | A 108 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2510 mm |
