1976 Volvo 343 vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 35 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volvo 343 weights approximately 48 kg more than 2011 Lotus Exige.
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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 343. 1976 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2011 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2011 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volvo 343 | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Volvo | Lotus |
| Model | 343 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1158 mm |
