1994 Fiat Punto vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1994 Fiat Punto is newer by 13 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 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Fiat Punto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Fiat Punto (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Fiat Punto should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Fiat Punto weights approximately 50 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.
Because 1981 Volvo 343 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Fiat Punto, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1994 Fiat Punto (137 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 Fiat Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343. 1981 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1994 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 1994 Fiat Punto will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Fiat Punto | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Punto | 343 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
