1987 Lincoln Continental vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1987 Lincoln Continental is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lincoln Continental (148 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (117 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343.
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, 1987 Lincoln Continental (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lincoln Continental | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Lincoln | Volvo |
| Model | Continental | 343 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
