1972 Alpine A 310 vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 35 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 2,398 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1972 Alpine A 310. (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1972 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 608 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, 2007 Volvo S40, 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (225 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alpine A 310. 2007 Volvo S40 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. 2007 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alpine A 310 | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 310 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
