1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 120 kg more than 1978 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alpine | Lotus |
| Model | A 310 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 67 L |
