1980 Alpine A 310 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 22 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1980 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1980 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 310 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alpine A 310. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alpine A 310 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
