1977 Alpine A 310 vs. 1966 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1977 Alpine A 310 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 312, 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, 1977 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1977 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alpine A 310 | 1966 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Alpine | Wartburg |
| Model | A 310 | 312 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 43 L |
