1978 Volvo 343 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 32 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Polo. (69 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 77 kg more than 1978 Volvo 343.
Because 1978 Volvo 343 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Polo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2010 Volkswagen Polo (112 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 343 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1462 mm |
