1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 1996 Ford Probe
To start off, 1996 Ford Probe is newer by 17 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 31 more horse power than 1996 Ford Probe. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Probe weights approximately 250 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, 1996 Ford Probe, 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 1996 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Alpine | Ford |
| Model | A 310 | Probe |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 58 L |
