1977 Alpine A 310 vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 30 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1977 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1977 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 474 kg more than 1977 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40, 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alpine A 310 | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 310 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 62 L |
