1985 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 11 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 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 343 weights approximately 43 kg more than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33.
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, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 has manual transmission. 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 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:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 33 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2400 mm |
