1962 Alpine A 108 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 is newer by 26 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 480 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1962 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1962 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 480 weights approximately 445 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, 1988 Volvo 480, 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, 1988 Volvo 480 (176 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Alpine A 108. (58 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 480 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 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 108 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2510 mm |
