1973 Alpine A 310 vs. 2012 Volvo S80
To start off, 2012 Volvo S80 is newer by 39 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 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Alpine A 310 (128 HP) has 14 more horse power than 2012 Volvo S80. (114 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo S80 weights approximately 784 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, 2012 Volvo S80, 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, 2012 Volvo S80 (270 Nm) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm). This means 2012 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Alpine A 310. 2012 Volvo S80 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. 2012 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alpine A 310 | 2012 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 310 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 114 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1609 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 67 L |
