1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 10 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alpine A 310 (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 5 kg more than 1971 Alpine A 310.
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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alpine A 310 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1646 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
