1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 29 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1979 Alpine A 310. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1979 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 550 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (245 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | C |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 68.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 62 L |
