1976 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 33 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1976 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1976 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 682 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Alpine A 310. (209 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Alpine A 310. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1976 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1976 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Alpine A 310 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
