1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 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 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 3 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 258 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, 2009 Mazda 3, 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mazda |
| Model | A 310 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1998 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
