1991 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1991 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 5,001 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Chevrolet Caprice (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 780 kg more than 1981 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 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Chevrolet Caprice | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Caprice | 343 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5001 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5440 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
