1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 weights approximately 2 kg more than 1974 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, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volvo |
| Model | 100 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2400 mm |
