1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 34 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 27 more horse power than 2012 BMW 116. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 116 weights approximately 356 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 116. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 116 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| 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 | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 51 L |
