1974 Alpine A 310 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alpine A 310 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 27 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1974 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, 1974 Alpine A 310 (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alpine A 310 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
