1972 Alpine A 310 vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1972 Alpine A 310. (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1972 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 588 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.
Because 1972 Alpine A 310 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Pontiac Grand Am (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alpine A 310. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1972 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1972 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alpine A 310 | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Alpine | Pontiac |
| Model | A 310 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 54 L |
