1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 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 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 771 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 80 L |
