1962 Alpine A 108 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (59 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1962 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1962 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 525 kg more than 1962 Alpine A 108. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Alpine A 108. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Alpine A 108. (58 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Alpine A 108 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 108 | A |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2430 mm |
