1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 26 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, both vehicles can yield 148 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 696 kg more than 1978 Alpine A 310.
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, 2004 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 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 | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 63 L |
