1980 Alpine A 310 vs. 2000 Caterham 21
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 20 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, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1980 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1980 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 440 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 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 | 2000 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | Alpine | Caterham |
| Model | A 310 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 100 L |
