1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3 (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 500 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, 2007 Mazda 3, 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, both vehicles can yield 203 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alpine A 310 | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mazda |
| Model | A 310 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
