1972 Ford GT 40 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford GT 40 weights approximately 17 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, 1974 Volvo 343 (107 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1974 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1972 Ford GT 40 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:
| 1972 Ford GT 40 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | GT 40 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 45 L |
