1978 Volvo 343 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,314 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (111 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1978 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1981 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1981 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Volvo 343 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | Volvo | Volvo |
Model | 343 | 240 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1397 cc | 2314 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 70 HP | 111 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 109 Nm | 185 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |