1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 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 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1200 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 597 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 88 L |
