1974 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 35 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1974 Alpine A 310. (127 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1974 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mini Cooper weights approximately 300 kg more than 1974 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper, 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alpine A 310 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Alpine | Mini |
| Model | A 310 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
