1961 Alpine A 108 vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 42 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo S40 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1961 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1961 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo S40 weights approximately 856 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, 2003 Volvo S40, 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, 2003 Volvo S40 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alpine A 108. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo S40 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 | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 108 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 62 L |
