1948 Bristol 400 vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 1980 Volvo 343 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Bristol 400 (79 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Bristol 400 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 400 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1980 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1948 Bristol 400 (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1948 Bristol 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343. 1980 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1948 Bristol 400 has manual transmission. 1948 Bristol 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 400 | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 400 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1400 mm |
