1976 Volvo 343 vs. 1979 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1979 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,811 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Chrysler 1609 (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1976 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, 1979 Chrysler 1609 (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volvo 343 | 1979 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Volvo | Chrysler |
| Model | 343 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1811 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
