1961 Fiat 1300 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 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 1,481 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Fiat 1300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Fiat 1300 (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Fiat 1300 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Fiat 1300 weights approximately 17 kg more than 1974 Volvo 343. 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, 1974 Volvo 343 (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1300 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 1300 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
