1979 Volvo 343 vs. 2010 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2010 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda CX-7 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 596 kg more than 1979 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Mazda CX-7, 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 Mazda CX-7 (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Volvo 343 | 2010 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Volvo | Mazda |
| Model | 343 | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1646 mm |
