1974 Renault 5 vs. 1977 Volvo 343
To start off, 1977 Volvo 343 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1974 Renault 5. (33 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volvo 343 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1974 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault 5, 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, 1977 Volvo 343 (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 5. (53 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 5 | 1977 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 5 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 782 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 53 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
