1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 2005 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2005 Mini Cooper is newer by 34 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 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alpine A 310 (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2005 Mini Cooper. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mini Cooper weights approximately 300 kg more than 1971 Alpine A 310.
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, 2005 Mini Cooper, 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, both vehicles can yield 150 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2005 Mini Cooper 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. 2005 Mini Cooper will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alpine A 310 | 2005 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Alpine | Mini |
| Model | A 310 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
