1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1998 BMW 320
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 20 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, 1998 BMW 320 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 326 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, 1978 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 1998 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 65 L |
