1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 237 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, 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III has manual transmission. 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volvo |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | 343 |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
