1948 Jaguar XK vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1978 Volvo 343 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Jaguar XK (160 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Jaguar XK weights approximately 382 kg more than 1978 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 Jaguar XK (264 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1948 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1948 Jaguar XK has manual transmission. 1948 Jaguar XK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Jaguar XK | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volvo |
| Model | XK | 343 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1372 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
