1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 1985 Mini MK V
To start off, 1985 Mini MK V is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alpine A 310 (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1985 Mini MK V. (41 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mini MK V. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1985 Mini MK V. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Mini MK V, 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, 1981 Alpine A 310 (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mini MK V. (70 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mini MK V.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alpine A 310 | 1985 Mini MK V | |
| Make | Alpine | Mini |
| Model | A 310 | MK V |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2040 mm |
