1984 Alpine A 310 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Alpine A 310 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 437 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700. 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, 1984 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alpine A 310 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | Alpine | Caterham |
| Model | A 310 | 1700 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2240 mm |
