1985 Fiat Croma vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1985 Fiat Croma 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 2,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1985 Fiat Croma. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1985 Fiat Croma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Fiat Croma weights approximately 152 kg more than 1974 Volvo 343.
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 Fiat Croma, 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 Fiat Croma (127 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm). This means 1985 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Fiat Croma | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Croma | 343 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2400 mm |
