1977 Volvo 343 vs. 1972 ZAZ 966
To start off, 1977 Volvo 343 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 ZAZ 966. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 ZAZ 966 would be higher. At 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1972 ZAZ 966. (27 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1972 ZAZ 966. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volvo 343 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1972 ZAZ 966. 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 Volvo 343 (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 ZAZ 966. (52 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1977 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 ZAZ 966. 1977 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1972 ZAZ 966 has manual transmission. 1972 ZAZ 966 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Volvo 343 | 1972 ZAZ 966 | |
| Make | Volvo | ZAZ |
| Model | 343 | 966 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 885 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
