1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 19 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 60 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (88 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 111 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | A |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 19.0:1 |
| 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 | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 54 L |
