1981 Fiat Strada vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1981 Fiat Strada is newer by 2 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Strada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Strada (125 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Strada should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 343 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1981 Fiat Strada.
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, 1981 Fiat Strada, 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, 1981 Fiat Strada (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Strada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 343. 1979 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat Strada has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat Strada will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Strada | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Strada | 343 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
