1976 Alpine A 310 vs. 1955 BMW 501
To start off, 1976 Alpine A 310 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 BMW 501 would be higher. At 2,662 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1955 BMW 501. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 BMW 501 weights approximately 329 kg more than 1976 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Alpine A 310 | 1955 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2662 cc | 2580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 7.0:1 |
| 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 | 1016 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2840 mm |
