1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 31 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 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 976 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 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Alpine A 310. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alpine A 310. 2009 Dodge Nitro 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. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Alpine | Dodge |
| Model | A 310 | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 74 L |
