1961 Trabant Universal vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1979 Volvo 343 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Trabant Universal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Trabant Universal would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1961 Trabant Universal. (20 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1961 Trabant Universal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 343 weights approximately 324 kg more than 1961 Trabant Universal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Trabant Universal, 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, 1979 Volvo 343 (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Trabant Universal. (44 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Trabant Universal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Trabant Universal | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Trabant | Volvo |
| Model | Universal | 343 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 44 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 666 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
