1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 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 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 456 more horse power than 1979 Alpine A 310. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 620 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 793 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Alpine A 310. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 5982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 605 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 80 L |
