1976 Alpine A 310 vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 27 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, 1976 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 124 kg more than 1976 Alpine A 310.
Because 1976 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 1976 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3, 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, 1976 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Alpine A 310 | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mazda |
| Model | A 310 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2662 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1016 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
