1949 Allard J2 vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1979 Volvo 343 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Allard J2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Allard J2 would be higher. At 5,416 cc (8 cylinders), 1949 Allard J2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Allard J2 (158 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Allard J2 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 343 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1949 Allard J2.
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. 1979 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1949 Allard J2 has manual transmission. 1949 Allard J2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Allard J2 | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Allard | Volvo |
| Model | J2 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5416 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
