1985 Ford Laser vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 1985 Ford Laser is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Laser (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 343 weights approximately 198 kg more than 1985 Ford Laser.
Because 1980 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 1980 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Laser, 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 Ford Laser (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343. 1980 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Laser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Laser | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Laser | 343 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
