1973 Alpine A 310 vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 25 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 128 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 321 kg more than 1973 Alpine A 310.
Because 1973 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 1973 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, 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, 1998 Ford Focus (160 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alpine A 310 | 1998 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Alpine | Ford |
| Model | A 310 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| 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 | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
