1981 Volvo 343 vs. 2011 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2011 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (117 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1981 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 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 343 | 2011 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Volvo | Toyota |
| Model | 343 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1780 mm |
