1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 19 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 9 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 335 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1979 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 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. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1893 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
