1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 1987 Saab 900
To start off, 1987 Saab 900 is newer by 6 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, 1987 Saab 900 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Saab 900 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1981 Alpine A 310. 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, 1987 Saab 900, 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, 1987 Saab 900 (273 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alpine A 310 | 1987 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Alpine | Saab |
| Model | A 310 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 63 L |
