1973 Alpine A 310 vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 1,713 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Alpine A 310 (128 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 20 kg more than 1973 Alpine A 310.
Because 1973 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 1973 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1973 Alpine A 310 (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alpine A 310 | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1713 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
