2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 Alpine A 310
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Alpine A 310 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1979 Alpine A 310.
Because 1979 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 1979 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1979 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1979 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1979 Alpine A 310 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alpine |
| Model | 156 | A 310 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 38 L |
