1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1995 BMW 317
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 17 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 58 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 231 kg more than 1978 Alpine A 310.
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, 1978 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 1995 BMW 317 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 317 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
