1976 Oldsmobile Toronado vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1979 Volvo 343 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,444 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1125 kg more than 1979 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado, 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, 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 410 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Volvo |
| Model | Toronado | 343 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7444 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2115 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5620 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
