1980 Alpine A 310 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 30 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 40 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1850 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz A 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 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | A |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
