1977 Alpine A 310 vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 25 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 74 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 264 kg more than 1977 Alpine A 310.
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, 2002 Volkswagen New 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, 1977 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1977 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alpine A 310 | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
