1981 Alpine A 310 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 28 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Alpine A 310. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Alpine A 310. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 244 kg more than 1981 Alpine A 310. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alpine A 310. (203 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alpine A 310.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alpine A 310 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
