1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1971 Alpine A 310. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 546 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 Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alpine A 310. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alpine A 310. 2002 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1971 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1971 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alpine A 310 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1646 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 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 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
