1961 Austin A vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A weights approximately 202 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, 1974 Volvo 343 (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A. (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A | 343 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
