1977 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1981 Volvo 343 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 730 kg more than 1981 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, 1977 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Chevrolet Caprice | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Caprice | 343 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
