1983 Alpine A 310 vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,663 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (89 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1983 Alpine A 310.
Because 1983 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 1983 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40, 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, 1983 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (177 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1983 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alpine A 310 | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 310 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2663 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2560 mm |
