1993 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1993 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 19 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 667 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, 1993 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Thunderbird | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Thunderbird | 343 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
