1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (77 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 343 weights approximately 53 kg more than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Because 1974 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 1974 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud (121 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud has manual transmission. 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | Alfasud | 343 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1350 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
