1979 Simca 1308 vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 1980 Volvo 343 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Simca 1308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Simca 1308 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Simca 1308. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1979 Simca 1308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Simca 1308 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1980 Volvo 343.
Because 1980 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 1980 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Simca 1308, 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, 1980 Volvo 343 (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Simca 1308. (107 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Simca 1308. 1980 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1979 Simca 1308 has manual transmission. 1979 Simca 1308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Simca 1308 | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Simca | Volvo |
| Model | 1308 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1292 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 107 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
