1972 Alpine A 310 vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 1990 BMW 520 is newer by 18 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 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 520 (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1972 Alpine A 310. (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1972 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 717 kg more than 1972 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, 1990 BMW 520 (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alpine A 310 | 1990 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2770 mm |
