1974 Alpine A 310 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster is newer by 38 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1974 Alpine A 310. (127 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster should accelerate faster than 1974 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster weights approximately 416 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster, 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 Mini Cooper Roadster (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 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 | 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster | |
| Make | Alpine | Mini |
| Model | A 310 | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1241 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
