1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 23 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 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 421 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 51 L |
