1984 Alpine A 310 vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 1988 Volvo 440 is newer by 4 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 40 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 440. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 440 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1984 Alpine A 310.
Because 1984 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 1984 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440, 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, 1984 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 440. (143 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alpine A 310 | 1988 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 310 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2510 mm |
