1976 Alpine A 310 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 429 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. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Alpine A 310 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2662 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| 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 | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 65 L |
