1971 Alpine A 310 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 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 14 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 375 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (150 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alpine A 310. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alpine A 310 | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1646 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1215 kg |
