1984 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1984 Ford Escort is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 343 weights approximately 73 kg more than 1984 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Escort, 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, 1974 Volvo 343 (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Escort | 343 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2400 mm |
