1972 Alpine A 310 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,501 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1972 Alpine A 310. (124 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1972 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 493 kg more than 1972 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alpine A 310 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
