1980 Volvo 343 vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 343 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2005 Smart ForFour.
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, 2005 Smart ForFour, 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, 2005 Smart ForFour (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volvo 343 | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Volvo | Smart |
| Model | 343 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
