1977 Alpine A 310 vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 31 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 4,799 cc, 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1977 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1977 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 680 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.
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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Alpine A 310. 2008 BMW 550 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. 2008 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alpine A 310 | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
