1974 Alpine A 310 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 36 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1974 Alpine A 310. (127 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1974 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 680 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.
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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alpine A 310. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1974 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1974 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alpine A 310 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
