1994 Mercury Mystique vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1994 Mercury Mystique is newer by 20 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mercury Mystique (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 299 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.
Because 1974 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 1974 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Mercury Mystique, 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 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mercury Mystique | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Mystique | 343 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2400 mm |
