1977 Alpine A 310 vs. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Alpine A 310 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 84 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1977 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1977 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alpine A 310 | 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1713 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
