1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 1977 AMC Matador
To start off, 1979 Alpine A 310 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 AMC Matador would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Alpine A 310 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 881 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, 1977 AMC Matador (298 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Alpine A 310. 1977 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1979 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1979 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 1977 AMC Matador | |
| Make | Alpine | AMC |
| Model | A 310 | Matador |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 4982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1861 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 92 L |
