1991 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 17 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 317 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, 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ has manual transmission. 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | SZ | 343 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
