1986 Holden Commodore vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 1986 Holden Commodore is newer by 6 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Holden Commodore (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Holden Commodore weights approximately 245 kg more than 1980 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Holden Commodore (296 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343. 1980 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1986 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1986 Holden Commodore 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:
| 1986 Holden Commodore | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Holden | Volvo |
| Model | Commodore | 343 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
