1972 Alpine A 310 vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 31 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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Alpine A 310 (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 568 kg more than 1972 Alpine A 310.
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, 2003 Opel Meriva, 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (230 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva 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 | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Alpine | Opel |
| Model | A 310 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 52 L |
