1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva is newer by 25 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 74 more horse power than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva weights approximately 336 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, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva, 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2003 Vauxhall Meriva | |
| Make | Alpine | Vauxhall |
| Model | A 310 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2640 mm |
