1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 485 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, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima 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 | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Alpine | Nissan |
| Model | A 310 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 76 L |
