1972 Alpine A 310 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 30 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Alpine A 310 (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1972 Alpine A 310.
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, 2002 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 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 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 63 L |
