1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Alpine A 310. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster 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, 2009 Mini Cooper, 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 Mini Cooper (260 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper 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 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Alpine | Mini |
| Model | A 310 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 50 L |
