1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2004 BMW 120
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 25 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 29 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 405 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, 2004 BMW 120 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 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 | 2004 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 17.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 50 L |
