1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alpine A 310. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alpine A 310 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alpine A 310 (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 338 kg more than 1981 Alpine A 310.
Because 1981 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 1981 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1981 Alpine A 310 (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alpine A 310 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
