1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1998 Ford Focus
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus 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, 1978 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 134 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, 1998 Ford Focus, 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 1998 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Alpine | Ford |
| Model | A 310 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 1118 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
