1961 Alpine A 108 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 41 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1961 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1961 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 940 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alpine A 108. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 108 | E |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2840 mm |
