1973 Alpine A 310 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Alpine A 310 (128 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200. (122 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1973 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 (178 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Alpine A 310. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 has automatic transmission and 1973 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1973 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alpine A 310 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | 200 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
