1956 GAZ M-20 vs. 1976 Volvo 343
To start off, 1976 Volvo 343 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 GAZ M-20. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 GAZ M-20 would be higher. At 2,120 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 GAZ M-20 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1956 GAZ M-20. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1956 GAZ M-20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 GAZ M-20 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1976 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, 1956 GAZ M-20 (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 GAZ M-20 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 343. 1976 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1956 GAZ M-20 has manual transmission. 1956 GAZ M-20 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 GAZ M-20 | 1976 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | GAZ | Volvo |
| Model | M-20 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1976 |
| Engine Size | 2120 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
