1968 Fiat 124 vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1978 Volvo 343 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,438 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 70 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 343 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1968 Fiat 124.
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, 1968 Fiat 124 (112 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1968 Fiat 124 has manual transmission. 1968 Fiat 124 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 124 | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 124 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1438 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
