1959 Holden FE vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Holden FE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Holden FE would be higher. At 2,166 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Holden FE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1959 Holden FE. (60 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1959 Holden FE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Holden FE weights approximately 37 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, 1959 Holden FE (150 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 Holden FE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1959 Holden FE has manual transmission. 1959 Holden FE 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:
| 1959 Holden FE | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Holden | Volvo |
| Model | FE | 343 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2166 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2400 mm |
