1980 Alpine A 310 vs. 1994 Volvo 850
To start off, 1994 Volvo 850 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 850 (209 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1980 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1980 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 850 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1980 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 850, 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, 1994 Volvo 850 (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 Volvo 850 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 | 1994 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 310 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2670 mm |
