1980 Volvo 343 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volvo 343 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 343 | C |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1459 mm |
