1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 18 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 19 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 346 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, 1996 Honda S-MX, 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1978 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1978 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Alpine | Honda |
| Model | A 310 | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2510 mm |
