1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1971 Alpine A 310. (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1971 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alpine A 310. (150 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alpine A 310 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 3003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
