1961 Citroen 2CV 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 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1961 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1961 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 343 weights approximately 448 kg more than 1961 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Volvo 343 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Citroen 2CV, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Citroen 2CV | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volvo |
| Model | 2CV | 343 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 10 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 45 L |
