1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 1,646 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alpine A 310 (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1971 Alpine A 310 (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alpine A 310 | 1976 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1646 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
