1961 Alpine A 108 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 45 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 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1961 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1961 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1190 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz A (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alpine A 108. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Alpine A 108. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1961 Alpine A 108 has manual transmission. 1961 Alpine A 108 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Alpine A 108 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 108 | A |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 60 L |
