1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 1988 BMW M5
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 7 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 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 753 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.
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, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 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 | 1988 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3533 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1733 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2770 mm |
