1976 Alpine A 310 vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 1996 Volvo 960 is newer by 20 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 2,662 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1976 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 484 kg more than 1976 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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Alpine A 310 | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 310 | 960 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2662 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1016 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2780 mm |
