1962 Alpine A 108 vs. 1978 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen 1302 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Alpine A 108 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Alpine A 108 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen 1302 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1962 Alpine A 108.
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, 1978 Volkswagen 1302 (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Alpine A 108. (58 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen 1302 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Alpine A 108 | 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 108 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2410 mm |
