1971 Honda Z 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 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Z would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1971 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 343 weights approximately 433 kg more than 1971 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Z, 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, 1974 Volvo 343 (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Z. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1971 Honda Z has manual transmission. 1971 Honda Z 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:
| 1971 Honda Z | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Z | 343 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 355 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2400 mm |
