1980 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 29 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, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1980 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1980 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 435 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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 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 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 53 L |
