1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 33 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 33 more horse power than 2012 BMW 116. (116 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 116 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1979 Alpine A 310.
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, 2012 BMW 116 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 116 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 | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 116 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 51 L |
