1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 1996 Proton 400
To start off, 1996 Proton 400 is newer by 25 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 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Proton 400 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1971 Alpine A 310. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Proton 400 weights approximately 225 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, 1996 Proton 400, 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, 1996 Proton 400 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alpine A 310. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Proton 400 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 | 1996 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Alpine | Proton |
| Model | A 310 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1646 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2510 mm |
