1973 Alpine A 310 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Alpine A 310 (128 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 727 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, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alpine A 310 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1552 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
