1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alpine A 310. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alpine A 310 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 310 | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 66 L |
