Alpine A110: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Alpine A110 choice begins with a clear divide between generations. The first-generation Coupe, produced from 1961 to 1977, offers naturally aspirated Gasoline engines, a 5-speed Manual gearbox and RWD. The second-generation Coupe, produced from 2017 onward, switches to a centrally located 1,798 cc Turbo Gasoline engine, direct injection, a 7-speed Robotic gearbox and RWD.
The Alpine A110 choice begins with a clear divide between generations. The first-generation Coupe, produced from 1961 to 1977, offers naturally aspirated Gasoline engines, a 5-speed Manual gearbox and RWD. The second-generation Coupe, produced from 2017 onward, switches to a centrally located 1,798 cc Turbo Gasoline engine, direct injection, a 7-speed Robotic gearbox and RWD. Buyers prioritising the lightest measured kerb weight should consider the 252 hp second-generation 1.8 DSG at 1,102 kg, while the quickest measured acceleration belongs to the 300 hp 1.8 R DSG, which reaches 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The first generation is the alternative for drivers specifically seeking Manual transmission and non-turbocharged power.
Alpine A110 generations compared
The first-generation Alpine A110 ran from 1961 to 1977 as a Coupe. The database lists 14 modifications for this generation, although specifications are shown for 12 here. These cover 1.1 MT, several power outputs of 1.3 MT, two 1.5 MT versions and three 1.6 MT versions. Every listed version uses Gasoline, 4 Inline cylinders, no boost, a 5-speed Manual gearbox and RWD. Output ranges from 68 hp in the least powerful 1.3 MT to 140 hp in the most powerful 1.6 MT. Engine location, torque, acceleration, fuel consumption, kerb weight and gross weight are not measured.
The second-generation Alpine A110 has been produced since 2017 as a Coupe and has five listed modifications. All use the same fundamental specification: a 1,798 cc Turbo Gasoline engine with 4 Inline cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, central engine placement, direct injection, a 7-speed Robotic gearbox and RWD. The range comprises two versions named 1.8 DSG, distinguished here as 252 hp and 292 hp, plus the 300 hp 1.8 GT DSG, 1.8 S DSG and 1.8 R DSG. The versions therefore differ primarily in output, acceleration, maximum speed, kerb weight and wheel sizes rather than engine capacity or drivetrain format.
Alpine A110 engine specs and version comparison
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.1 MT | 95 hp / 70 kW | not measured | 1,100 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.3 MT, 68 hp | 68 hp / 50 kW | not measured | 1,300 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.3 MT, 73 hp | 73 hp / 54 kW | not measured | 1,300 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.3 MT, 81 hp | 81 hp / 60 kW | not measured | 1,300 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.3 MT, 103 hp | 103 hp / 76 kW | not measured | 1,300 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.3 MT, 110 hp | 110 hp / 81 kW | not measured | 1,300 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.3 MT, 132 hp | 132 hp / 97 kW | not measured | 1,300 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.5 MT, 70 hp | 70 hp / 51 kW | not measured | 1,500 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.5 MT, 90 hp | 90 hp / 66 kW | not measured | 1,500 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 102 hp | 102 hp / 75 kW | not measured | 1,600 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 138 hp | 138 hp / 101 kW | not measured | 1,600 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 140 hp | 140 hp / 103 kW | not measured | 1,600 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second generation 1.8 DSG, 292 hp | 292 hp / 215 kW | 320 Nm | 1,798 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | RWD |
| Second generation 1.8 DSG, 252 hp | 252 hp / 185 kW | 320 Nm | 1,798 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | RWD |
| Second generation 1.8 GT DSG | 300 hp / 220 kW | 340 Nm | 1,798 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | RWD |
| Second generation 1.8 S DSG | 300 hp / 220 kW | 340 Nm | 1,798 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | RWD |
| Second generation 1.8 R DSG | 300 hp / 220 kW | 340 Nm | 1,798 cc | Gasoline | 4 Inline | Turbo | 7-speed Robotic | RWD |
Engine output per litre helps separate versions that otherwise have similar names. The first-generation 1.3 MT spans approximately 52.3 to 101.5 hp per litre, depending on whether it produces 68 or 132 hp. The two 1.5 MT versions deliver approximately 46.7 and 60.0 hp per litre, while the 1.6 MT versions provide approximately 63.8, 86.3 and 87.5 hp per litre. The 1.1 MT produces approximately 86.4 hp per litre.
In the second generation, the 252 hp 1.8 DSG develops approximately 140.2 hp per litre, and the 292 hp 1.8 DSG raises that to approximately 162.4 hp per litre. Each 300 hp version produces approximately 166.9 hp per litre. Compared with the 252 hp 1.8 DSG, the 300 hp 1.8 GT DSG, 1.8 S DSG and 1.8 R DSG add 48 hp and 20 Nm without increasing the 1,798 cc displacement.
Alpine A110 performance, fuel consumption and emissions
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.1 MT | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 1.3 MT, all listed outputs | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 1.5 MT, both listed outputs | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 102 hp | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 138 hp | not measured | 210 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First generation 1.6 MT, 140 hp | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second generation 1.8 DSG, 292 hp | 4.4 sec | 260 km/h | 8.8 l/100 km | 5.2 l/100 km | 6.5 l/100 km | 146 g/km |
| Second generation 1.8 DSG, 252 hp | 4.5 sec | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | 6.7 l/100 km | 152 g/km |
| Second generation 1.8 GT DSG | 4.2 sec | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | 6.8 l/100 km | 153 g/km |
| Second generation 1.8 S DSG | 4.2 sec | 260 km/h | not measured | not measured | 6.8 l/100 km | 153 g/km |
| Second generation 1.8 R DSG | 3.9 sec | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | 6.8 l/100 km | 153 g/km |
The 1.8 R DSG is 0.3 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than the 1.8 GT DSG and 1.8 S DSG, despite sharing their 300 hp and 340 Nm figures. It is also 0.6 seconds quicker than the 252 hp 1.8 DSG. Its 250 km/h maximum speed, however, is 10 km/h below the 260 km/h figures of the 292 hp 1.8 DSG and 1.8 S DSG.
The 292 hp 1.8 DSG has the lowest measured combined consumption at 6.5 l/100 km and the lowest measured CO₂ output at 146 g/km. Against the 300 hp versions, it uses 0.3 l/100 km less on the combined cycle and emits 7 g/km less CO₂. All second-generation versions meet Euro 6, use 95 fuel and have a 45-litre tank.
Alpine A110 weight, clearance and wheel sizes
Complete dimensions are not measured in the supplied specifications. For the first generation, kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity and wheel sizes are also not measured.
| Second-generation version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Weight per hp | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 DSG, 292 hp | 1,114 kg | 1,360 kg | 3.82 kg/hp | 100 mm | 45 litres | 215/40 R18; 245/40 R18 |
| 1.8 DSG, 252 hp | 1,102 kg | 1,360 kg | 4.37 kg/hp | 100 mm | 45 litres | 205/40 R18; 235/40 R18 |
| 1.8 GT DSG | 1,119 kg | 1,360 kg | 3.73 kg/hp | 100 mm | 45 litres | 205/40 R18; 235/40 R18 |
| 1.8 S DSG | 1,119 kg | 1,360 kg | 3.73 kg/hp | 100 mm | 45 litres | 215/40 R18; 245/40 R18 |
| 1.8 R DSG | 1,150 kg | 1,360 kg | 3.83 kg/hp | 100 mm | 45 litres | 215/40 R18; 245/40 R18 |
The 252 hp 1.8 DSG is the lightest measured version, weighing 12 kg less than the 292 hp 1.8 DSG, 17 kg less than the 1.8 GT DSG and 1.8 S DSG, and 48 kg less than the 1.8 R DSG. Power changes the comparison: the 1.8 GT DSG and 1.8 S DSG have the best measured power-to-weight result at approximately 3.73 kg per hp. The 1.8 R DSG is 31 kg heavier than either, even though all three produce 300 hp.
All listed versions in both generations have Independent, spring suspension at the front and rear. The first generation uses disc brakes at both ends, while the second generation uses ventilated disc brakes at both ends.
Which Alpine A110 version should you buy?
Choose the first generation if a 5-speed Manual gearbox, RWD and a naturally aspirated Gasoline engine are essential. Among the listed classic versions, the 140 hp 1.6 MT has the highest output, exceeding the 138 hp 1.6 MT by 2 hp and the 102 hp 1.6 MT by 38 hp. The 132 hp 1.3 MT is notable for producing only 8 hp less than the 140 hp 1.6 MT from an engine that is 300 cc smaller. Because acceleration, consumption and weight are not measured for these versions, the data does not support declaring one first-generation variant quicker, lighter or more economical than another.
Choose the 252 hp 1.8 DSG if minimum measured kerb weight matters most. Its 1,102 kg figure is the lowest in the modern range, and its 6.7 l/100 km combined consumption is 0.1 l/100 km below the 300 hp versions. The trade-off is the slowest measured second-generation acceleration at 4.5 seconds to 100 km/h and the least power at 252 hp.
Choose the 292 hp 1.8 DSG for the strongest measured economy-and-speed combination. Compared with the 252 hp version, it adds 40 hp, reduces the 0–100 km/h time by 0.1 second and raises maximum speed by 10 km/h. It also records 0.2 l/100 km lower combined consumption, although it weighs 12 kg more. Unlike the other versions, it has measured city and highway figures of 8.8 and 5.2 l/100 km.
Choose the 1.8 GT DSG or 1.8 S DSG when 300 hp, 340 Nm and the best measured weight-per-horsepower figure are priorities. Both weigh 1,119 kg and reach 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. Their key numerical distinction is maximum speed and wheel fitment: the 1.8 GT DSG reaches 250 km/h with 205/40 R18 and 235/40 R18 wheels, while the 1.8 S DSG reaches 260 km/h with 215/40 R18 and 245/40 R18 wheels.
Choose the 1.8 R DSG for the quickest measured sprint. Its 3.9-second 0–100 km/h time is the best in the supplied data. That advantage does not come with extra listed output: it has the same 300 hp and 340 Nm as the 1.8 GT DSG and 1.8 S DSG, consumes the same measured 6.8 l/100 km and emits the same 153 g/km of CO₂. It is also the heaviest modern version at 1,150 kg and is limited to a measured maximum speed of 250 km/h.
No price or sale data is provided, so the extra money associated with any version cannot be calculated or justified from these specifications. On measurable differences alone, the 252 hp 1.8 DSG is the weight-focused choice, the 292 hp 1.8 DSG is the economy-and-top-speed compromise, the 1.8 GT DSG and 1.8 S DSG deliver the best measured kg-per-hp figure, and the 1.8 R DSG is the acceleration choice.