1975 Alpine A 310 vs. 2008 Volvo S40
To start off, 2008 Volvo S40 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1975 Alpine A 310. (127 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1975 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S40 weights approximately 633 kg more than 1975 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S40, 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, 2008 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Alpine A 310 | 2008 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 310 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1604 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
