1989 Dodge Viper vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1989 Dodge Viper is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 7,994 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Viper (400 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Viper weights approximately 464 kg more than 1979 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 Dodge Viper (610 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 502 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 343. 1979 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1989 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1989 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Viper | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Dodge | Volvo |
| Model | Viper | 343 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7994 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 610 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1400 mm |
