1973 Austin Allegro vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Austin Allegro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Austin Allegro (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Austin Allegro should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 343 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1973 Austin Allegro.
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, 1973 Austin Allegro, 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, 1973 Austin Allegro (137 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Austin Allegro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1973 Austin Allegro has manual transmission. 1973 Austin Allegro 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:
| 1973 Austin Allegro | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | Allegro | 343 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 45 L |
