1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2004 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 2004 Buick LeSabre 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick LeSabre (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 645 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.
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, 2004 Buick LeSabre, 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, 2004 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm). This means 2004 Buick LeSabre 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 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | Alpine | Buick |
| Model | A 310 | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1629 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
