1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 32 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Alpine A 310. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 54 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise 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 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alpine | Lotus |
| Model | A 310 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 44 L |
