1980 Alpine A 310 vs. 1957 BMW 501
To start off, 1980 Alpine A 310 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1980 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, 1957 BMW 501 (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alpine A 310 | 1957 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2840 mm |
