1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1989 Citroen XM
To start off, 1989 Citroen XM is newer by 11 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 18 more horse power than 1989 Citroen XM. (130 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen XM weights approximately 398 kg more than 1978 Alpine A 310.
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, 1989 Citroen XM, 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Citroen XM. (177 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Citroen XM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 1989 Citroen XM | |
| Make | Alpine | Citroen |
| Model | A 310 | XM |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1904 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1382 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2860 mm |
