1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 201 kg more than 1978 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alpine A 310 | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 984 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
