1980 Alpine A 310 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 32 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1980 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1225 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.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Alpine A 310. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 496 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alpine A 310. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alpine A 310 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 90 L |
