1973 Fiat 500 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 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 343 weights approximately 433 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. 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 @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 45 L |
