1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 30 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 410 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, 2011 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 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 | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mazda |
| Model | A 310 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2500 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 | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
