1976 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 37 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, 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider (122 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm). This means 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | Spider | 343 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2400 mm |
