1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 28 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, 1981 Alpine A 310 (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1981 Alpine A 310.
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, 2009 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 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 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 63 L |
