1972 Alpine A 310 vs. 2002 Caterham Superlight R
To start off, 2002 Caterham Superlight R 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Caterham Superlight R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1972 Alpine A 310. (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Caterham Superlight R should accelerate faster than 1972 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
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 Caterham Superlight R (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Caterham Superlight R 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 Caterham Superlight R | |
| Make | Alpine | Caterham |
| Model | A 310 | Superlight R |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2230 mm |
