France vs West Germany — 1955 vs 1956
| A106 Mille Miles | 507 Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 43 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 41 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 3,168 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 9.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 137 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 16.2 sec |
| Weight | 1,058 lbs | 2,932 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,100 mm | 2,480 mm |
| Length | 3,680 mm | 4,380 mm |
| Units Produced | 56 | 252 |
| Original MSRP | — | $9,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $350,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1955 Alpine A106 Mille Miles offers lighter weight, greater rarity, better value, while the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster counters with more power, higher top speed, stronger collectibility. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
When France engineering meets West Germany craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1955 Alpine A106 Mille Miles and 1956 BMW 507 Roadster embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. The 1956 BMW 507 Roadster holds a clear advantage in raw power with 150 hp compared to 43 hp, a 107-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 BMW 507 relies on a V8 OHV with 3,168 cc. The 1956 BMW 507 Roadster claims a higher top speed at 137 mph compared to 93 mph. The Alpine A106 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1874 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 56 units built, the 1955 Alpine A106 Mille Miles is considerably scarcer than the BMW 507's 252 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 BMW 507 Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1955 Alpine A106 Mille Miles, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.