1984 Alpine A 310 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 28 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, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1984 Alpine A 310. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1984 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 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Alpine A 310. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1984 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1984 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alpine A 310 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 310 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
