1990 Mazda 323 vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1990 Mazda 323 is newer by 12 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mazda 323 (74 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 343 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1990 Mazda 323.
Because 1978 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 1978 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Mazda 323, 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, 1978 Volvo 343 (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mazda 323. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mazda 323. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1990 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1990 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mazda 323 | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 323 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1324 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
