1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 1999 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1999 Mercury Mystique is newer by 20 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 20 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Mystique. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 262 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, 1999 Mercury Mystique, 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 1999 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercury |
| Model | A 310 | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2710 mm |
