1968 Volvo 120 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,777 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP) has 3 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 120. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volvo 120 weights approximately 67 kg more than 1974 Volvo 343.
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 Volvo 120 (144 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Volvo 120 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1777 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 70 HP |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.2 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2400 mm |
