1980 Buick Electra vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1980 Buick Electra is newer by 6 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 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 747 kg more than 1974 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, 1980 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1974 Volvo 343 has manual transmission. 1974 Volvo 343 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Electra | 343 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 45 L |
