France vs West Germany — 1955 vs 1956
| A106 Mille Miles | 356A Carrera GT Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 43 hp | 100 hp |
| Torque | 41 lb-ft | 83 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1,498 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 10.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 17.0 sec |
| Weight | 1,058 lbs | 1,940 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,100 mm | 2,100 mm |
| Length | 3,680 mm | 3,950 mm |
| Units Produced | 56 | 700 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,950 |
| Value (Excellent) | $350,000 | $800,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1955 Alpine A106 Mille Miles brings lighter weight, greater rarity, better value to the table, and the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe answers with more power, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between France and West Germany automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1955 Alpine A106 Mille Miles versus 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 100 hp compared to 43 hp, a 57-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Alpine A106 uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 747 cc, while the Porsche 356A relies on a Flat-4 DOHC (Type 547/1) with 1,498 cc. The 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe claims a higher top speed at 124 mph compared to 93 mph. The Alpine A106 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 882 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 56 units built, the 1955 Alpine A106 Mille Miles is considerably scarcer than the Porsche 356A's 700 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1955 Alpine A106 Mille Miles, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.