1973 Mazda 929 vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1978 Volvo 343 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mazda 929 (83 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mazda 929 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mazda 929 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1978 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 Mazda 929 (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mazda 929 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mazda 929 | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 929 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
