2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1980 Alpine A 310
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1980 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1980 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 650 kg more than 1980 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1980 Alpine A 310 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alpine |
| Model | 159 | A 310 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
