1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 31 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, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 810 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alpine A 310. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1981 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1981 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Alpine A 310 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | Alpine | BMW |
Model | A 310 | 520 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 203 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |