1976 Alpine A 310 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,662 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 304 kg more than 1976 Alpine A 310.
Because 1976 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 1976 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Alpine A 310 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2662 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1016 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
