1990 Volvo 940 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1990 Volvo 940 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 940 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 940 (111 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 940 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 940 weights approximately 431 kg more than 1974 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, 1990 Volvo 940 (157 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm). This means 1990 Volvo 940 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volvo 940 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 940 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2400 mm |
