1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 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 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 343 weights approximately 433 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
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 Caterham Super 7 (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | Super 7 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 45 L |
