1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner 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 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1971 Alpine A 310. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1971 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 992 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.
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, 2008 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2008 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alpine A 310. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alpine A 310. 2008 Mercury Mariner 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 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alpine A 310 | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercury |
| Model | A 310 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1646 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 78 L |
