1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
To start off, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 27 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 35 more horse power than 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (113 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 886 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, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (157 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser | |
| Make | Alpine | Chrysler |
| Model | A 310 | PT Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 57 L |
