1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2000 BMW M3
To start off, 2000 BMW M3 is newer by 21 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW M3 (325 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1979 Alpine A 310. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW M3 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1979 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2000 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 2000 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 63 L |
