1984 Alpine A 310 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Alpine A 310 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Alpine A 310 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Alpine A 310 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Alpine A 310. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1984 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alpine A 310 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 310 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 870 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 |
