1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 30 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, both vehicles can yield 148 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 476 kg more than 1978 Alpine A 310.
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, 1978 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2008 BMW 320 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. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 63 L |
