1971 Austin 3 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 547 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
