1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 37 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1971 Alpine A 310. (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1971 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 715 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alpine A 310. (150 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alpine A 310. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alpine A 310 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
