1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1979 Alpine A 310. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
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, 1979 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1979 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alpine | Lotus |
| Model | A 310 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |
