Navigating the vintage vehicle class in rally games can feel like stepping back in time, but not always in a good way when you’re fighting for first place. The 1960s class, often featuring front-wheel drive (FWD) relics, presents a unique set of challenges for aspiring rally drivers. Many find themselves initially wrestling with understeer and unresponsive handling, making those first races a true test of patience. It’s a common sentiment that mastering these older cars is akin to attending a rally driving school – you learn the hard way that slow and steady wins the race, emphasizing timely braking and simply keeping the car on the track. For newcomers to the rally scene, these initial experiences can be frustrating, but don’t be discouraged! The subsequent car classes offer a significantly more rewarding and exhilarating driving experience. Let’s dive into a detailed Car Compares analysis of three iconic models from this era: the Renault Alpine A110, the Mini Cooper S, and the Lancia Fulvia HF. We’ll break down their strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance to help you choose the best ride for conquering those classic rally stages.
Renault Alpine A110: The Unexpected Champion
03:52.024 – Renault Alpine A110 (Gears 8fL / H-shifter / 990°) ★★★☆☆
The Renault Alpine A110 stands out as a unique and somewhat controversial addition to the 1960s class. Its rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration immediately sets it apart from its FWD counterparts, and its performance metrics often rival cars from the 1970s class. Codemasters’ decision to include the Alpine as an affordable RWD option is understandable, but it undeniably overshadows the other cars in this category, almost rendering them obsolete in terms of competitive stage times.
However, for drivers looking to progress quickly and experience the thrill of RWD, the Alpine A110 is the clear frontrunner. Being the sole rear-engine car in the game, its handling is distinctly unique. Embrace a more aggressive driving style; allowing the tail to slide through corners is not only acceptable but actively encouraged for faster times. The Alpine is remarkably forgiving, allowing you to confidently push its limits and recover from slides. Even with a more conservative driving approach, the Alpine’s inherent performance advantage will likely place you high in the rankings. Despite the perceived challenge of RWD for beginners, the Alpine A110 ironically provides the easiest path to climb the ranks and reach the Masters level. In this car compares context, the Alpine emerges as the overpowered dark horse of the 1960s class.
Mini Cooper S: Nimble but Tricky
04:11.106 – Mini Cooper S (Gears 0fR / H-shifter / 900°) ★☆☆☆☆
04:11.106 – Mini Cooper S (Gears 0fR / H-shifter / 900°) ★☆☆☆☆
The Mini Cooper S offers a contrasting driving experience. This “bouncy little fella,” as it’s often affectionately called, is arguably the most maneuverable car in the 1960s class thanks to its short wheelbase. This agility can be beneficial in tight, technical sections, allowing for quick changes in direction. However, this nimbleness comes at a cost. The Mini can become unsettled and easily thrown off course by larger bumps and undulations in the road surface. Caution is paramount when approaching jumps or rough terrain.
As a true FWD car, the Mini Cooper S demands a different driving technique compared to the Alpine. The handbrake becomes an essential tool, particularly for navigating hairpin turns. Remember the fundamental FWD principle: brake firmly before initiating your turn. Entering a corner too hot will result in locked front wheels and that dreaded understeer, sending you sliding straight ahead. Mastering the brake-handbrake-throttle sequence is key to unlocking the Mini’s potential and keeping it pointed in the right direction. In our car compares analysis, the Mini stands out as a nimble but ultimately more challenging option compared to the Alpine, requiring precise technique to extract its best performance.
Lancia Fulvia HF: Underwhelming and Uninspiring
04:15.973 – Lancia Fulvia HF (Gears 12fL / H-shifter / 900°) ★★☆☆☆
04:15.973 – Lancia Fulvia HF (Gears 12fL / H-shifter / 900°) ★★☆☆☆
The Lancia Fulvia HF, unfortunately, occupies the less desirable end of the 1960s car compares spectrum. Its primary, and almost singular, advantage is a slightly reduced tendency to understeer compared to the Mini Cooper S. This can make turn-in feel marginally more responsive. However, this minor benefit is quickly overshadowed by the Fulvia’s significant drawbacks.
The Lancia feels noticeably heavier and clumsier than the Mini, weighing in at a substantial 130 kg more. This added weight severely impacts its agility and responsiveness. Compounding this issue is a lack of engine power. The Fulvia’s engine simply doesn’t provide enough grunt to compensate for its heft, resulting in sluggish acceleration and an overall underwhelming driving experience. While it may offer slightly improved turn-in compared to the Mini, the Lancia Fulvia HF’s lack of power and cumbersome handling make it a less than ideal choice. In this car compares review, the Fulvia is difficult to recommend, especially when the superior Alpine A110 and more engaging Mini Cooper S are available.
Conclusion: Car Compares Verdict – Alpine Takes the Crown
In this car compares deep dive into the 1960s rally class, the Renault Alpine A110 emerges as the clear winner. Its RWD dynamics and potent performance make it not only the fastest but arguably the easiest car to master in this category, despite conventional rally wisdom suggesting FWD for beginners. The Mini Cooper S offers a more traditional FWD challenge, rewarding skillful driving with nimble handling, but demanding precision to avoid its inherent instability. The Lancia Fulvia HF, sadly, lags behind, offering neither the speed of the Alpine nor the engaging agility of the Mini. For those starting their rally career in the 1960s class, the Alpine A110 is the unequivocal recommendation for its performance, ease of use, and sheer fun factor. While the other cars offer a taste of vintage rally charm, the Alpine provides the most effective and enjoyable route to rally success.
