1979 Alpine A 310 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Alpine A 310 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 220 kg more than 1979 Alpine A 310.
Because 1979 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 1979 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1979 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (166 Nm). This means 1979 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alpine A 310 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
