1974 Alpine A 310 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alpine A 310 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) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 140 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Alpine A 310 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
Model | A 310 | Santana |
Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 1605 cc | 1296 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 127 HP | 59 HP |
Torque | 146 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
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 | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |