1953 Austin A 70 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin A 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 70. (66 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin A 70 weights approximately 337 kg more than 1974 Volvo 343.
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, 1953 Austin A 70 (157 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1953 Austin A 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 70 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 70 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 45 L |
