1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 2002 BMW 520
To start off, 2002 BMW 520 is newer by 31 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 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1971 Alpine A 310. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 520 weights approximately 830 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, 2002 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alpine A 310. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 520 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 | 2002 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1646 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
