1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2005 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am 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 3,392 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 418 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, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am (285 Nm) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm). This means 2005 Pontiac Grand Am 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 | 2005 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Alpine | Pontiac |
| Model | A 310 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1402 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 53 L |
