1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 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, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 159 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, 1981 Alpine A 310 (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alpine A 310 | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alpine | Mazda |
| Model | A 310 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 48 L |
