1973 Chevrolet Vega 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 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 62 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, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chevrolet Vega | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Vega | 343 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 45 L |
