1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 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, 1979 Alpine A 310 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3.
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, 2011 Mazda 3, 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, 1979 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mazda |
| Model | A 310 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
