1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2005 Mazda Etude
To start off, 2005 Mazda Etude 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 49 more horse power than 2005 Mazda Etude. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda Etude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda Etude weights approximately 61 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 Mazda Etude, 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda Etude. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda Etude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2005 Mazda Etude | |
| Make | Alpine | Mazda |
| Model | A 310 | Etude |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1594 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1045 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
