1980 Alpine A 310 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 31 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1980 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1980 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1240 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 497 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alpine A 310. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alpine A 310 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | CL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 90 L |
