1980 Alpine A 310 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 17 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1980 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1980 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 730 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.
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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alpine A 310. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1980 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1980 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alpine A 310 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | E |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 80 L |
