1981 Volvo 343 vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1981 Volvo 343 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 102 kg more than 1981 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, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 343 | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Volvo | Chrysler |
| Model | 343 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
