1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1985 Ford Laser
To start off, 1985 Ford Laser is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1985 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 192 kg more than 1985 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Laser, 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, 1978 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Laser. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 1985 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Alpine | Ford |
| Model | A 310 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2370 mm |
