1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 23 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (190 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 494 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (260 Nm) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 62 L |
