1962 Alpine A 108 vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1962 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1962 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 325 kg more than 1962 Alpine A 108. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Alpine A 108 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 1962 Alpine A 108. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (133 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Alpine A 108. (58 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 108 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 55 L |
