1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 1988 Saab 900
To start off, 1988 Saab 900 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Alpine A 310 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 48 more horse power than 1988 Saab 900. (101 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1988 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 900 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1979 Alpine A 310.
Because 1979 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 1979 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 900, 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, 1979 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 1988 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Alpine | Saab |
| Model | A 310 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2530 mm |
