1972 Alpine A 310 vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Alpine A 310 (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 105 kg more than 1972 Alpine A 310.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Alpine A 310. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1972 Alpine A 310 (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alpine A 310 | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Alpine | Suzuki |
| Model | A 310 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2490 mm |
