1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION 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 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 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 966 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, 2006 Saturn ION, 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 2006 Saturn ION 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 Saturn ION will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Alpine | Saturn |
| Model | A 310 | ION |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1946 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 49 L |
