1984 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 25 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1984 Alpine A 310. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1984 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1984 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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alpine A 310 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 63 L |
