1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A 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 34 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1848 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Alpine A 310 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | A 310 | A |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1699 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 208 Nm | 155 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 78.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 2832 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3840 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1600 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |