1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 30 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1979 Alpine A 310. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1979 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Taurus weights approximately 130 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.
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, 2009 Ford Taurus, 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Alpine A 310. 2009 Ford Taurus 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. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 2009 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Alpine | Ford |
| Model | A 310 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.4:1 |
| 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 | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 76 L |
