1974 Alpine A 310 vs. 1966 Wartburg 353
To start off, 1974 Alpine A 310 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 353. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 353 would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Alpine A 310 (127 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 353. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 353. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 353 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1974 Alpine A 310.
Because 1974 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 1974 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 353, 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, 1974 Alpine A 310 (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 353. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 353.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alpine A 310 | 1966 Wartburg 353 | |
| Make | Alpine | Wartburg |
| Model | A 310 | 353 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 43 L |
