1974 Alpine A 310 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 Alpine A 310 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Alpine A 310 (127 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Alpine A 310 (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alpine A 310 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Alpine | Lotus |
| Model | A 310 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 29 L |
