1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 1988 Volvo 440 is newer by 17 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 440 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1971 Alpine A 310. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 440 weights approximately 190 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.
Because 1971 Alpine A 310 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 1971 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440, 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 440 (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alpine A 310. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 440 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 | 1988 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 310 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1646 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
