1980 Alpine A 310 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 16 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, 1980 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (124 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1980 Alpine A 310.
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, 1996 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, 1980 Alpine A 310 (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1980 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alpine A 310 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 310 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| 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 | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2670 mm |
