1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2001 Opel Signum
To start off, 2001 Opel Signum 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 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Signum (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Signum weights approximately 690 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, 2001 Opel Signum, 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, 2001 Opel Signum (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Signum 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 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Alpine | Opel |
| Model | A 310 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
