France vs UK — 1972 vs 1970
| Alpine A310 V6 | Escort Mk1 RS1600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 159 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 2,664 cc | 1,601 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 137 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 15.8 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,271 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,180 mm | 3,970 mm |
| Units Produced | 9,276 | 1,120 |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $200,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1972 Renault Alpine A310 V6 brings more power, better value to the table, and the 1970 Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 answers with greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between France and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1972 Renault Alpine A310 V6 versus 1970 Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1972 Renault Alpine A310 V6 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 150 hp compared to 120 hp, a 30-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Renault Alpine A310 uses a V6 OHV 12V displacing 2,664 cc, while the Ford Escort relies on a Inline-4 with 1,601 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,120 units built, the 1970 Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 is considerably scarcer than the Renault Alpine A310's 9,276 examples.