1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2007 BMW Z4
To start off, 2007 BMW Z4 is newer by 29 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW Z4 weights approximately 326 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.
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, 2007 BMW Z4 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alpine A 310. 2007 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1978 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1978 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2007 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
