1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 1999 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 1999 Citroen Xsara is newer by 21 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 59 more horse power than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1999 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 131 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, 1999 Citroen Xsara, 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Citroen Xsara. (153 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 1999 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Alpine | Citroen |
| Model | A 310 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1761 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2550 mm |
