1977 Alpine A 110 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Alpine A 110. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Alpine A 110 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (108 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1977 Alpine A 110. (95 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1977 Alpine A 110. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 2100 kg more than 1977 Alpine A 110. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Alpine A 110 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 1977 Alpine A 110. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Alpine A 110. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Alpine A 110.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alpine A 110 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 110 | A |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1647 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
