1959 Subaru 360 vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1978 Volvo 343 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Subaru 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Subaru 360 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1959 Subaru 360. (14 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1959 Subaru 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 343 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1959 Subaru 360. 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, 1978 Volvo 343 (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Subaru 360. (30 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Subaru 360. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1959 Subaru 360 has manual transmission. 1959 Subaru 360 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Subaru 360 | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Subaru | Volvo |
| Model | 360 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 385 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
