1974 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 35 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1974 Alpine A 310. (127 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1974 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 493 kg more than 1974 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (241 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alpine A 310. (146 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alpine A 310 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1605 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 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 | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
