1980 Volvo 343 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (380 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1339 kg more than 1980 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volvo 343. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (576 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 468 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volvo 343 | 2011 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 343 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 2329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1732 mm |
