1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2011 Volvo V70
To start off, 2011 Volvo V70 is newer by 33 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 3,192 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volvo V70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo V70 (235 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo V70 weights approximately 614 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, 2011 Volvo V70, 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, 2011 Volvo V70 (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alpine A 310. 2011 Volvo V70 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. 2011 Volvo V70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2011 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 310 | V70 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
