1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 20 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 380 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 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 | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 51 L |
