1983 Alpine A 310 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Alpine A 310 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,663 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1983 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1983 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alpine A 310 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2663 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
