1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S
To start off, 1979 Alpine A 310 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Alpine A 310 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S weights approximately 330 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (112 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1979 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | 170S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1949 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 47 L |
