1973 Porsche 914 vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1981 Volvo 343 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Porsche 914. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Porsche 914 would be higher. At 1,679 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Porsche 914 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Porsche 914 (79 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Porsche 914 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 343 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1973 Porsche 914.
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 Porsche 914 (137 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Porsche 914 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Porsche 914 | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Porsche | Volvo |
| Model | 914 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1679 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1400 mm |
