1977 Alpine A 310 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Alpine A 310 (148 HP) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1977 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, 1977 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alpine A 310 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 65 L |
