1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 26 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, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 510 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, 2007 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 523 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 | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
