1978 Alpine A 310 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Alpine A 310. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 636 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alpine A 310. (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alpine A 310. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1978 Alpine A 310 has manual transmission. 1978 Alpine A 310 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Alpine A 310 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
Model | A 310 | Passat |
Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 208 Nm | 326 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 78.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 18.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1620 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 62 L |