1977 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 32 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 362 more horse power than 1977 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1977 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1200 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Alpine A 310. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 622 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Alpine A 310. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alpine A 310 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | S |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 90 L |
