1989 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 790 kg more than 1978 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, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Caprice | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Caprice | 343 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
