1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 2000 Caterham C21
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 29 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 1,646 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1971 Alpine A 310. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21.
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, 2000 Caterham C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alpine A 310. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham C21 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 | 2000 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Alpine | Caterham |
| Model | A 310 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1646 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2260 mm |
