1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 38 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1971 Alpine A 310. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 745 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, 2009 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alpine A 310. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1646 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
