1995 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1995 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 14 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 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 70 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, 1995 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 1995 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343. 1981 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1995 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 1995 Fiat Barchetta 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:
| 1995 Fiat Barchetta | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Barchetta | 343 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1397 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 | 164 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
