1977 Alpine A 310 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 11 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 @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 590 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 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1977 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1977 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alpine A 310 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
