1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,222 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 945 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 S (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alpine A 310. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1981 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1981 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alpine A 310 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3222 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 88 L |
