1995 Holden Statesman vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1995 Holden Statesman is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 4,987 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Holden Statesman (223 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Holden Statesman weights approximately 530 kg more than 1978 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, 1995 Holden Statesman (385 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Holden Statesman | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Holden | Volvo |
| Model | Statesman | 343 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4987 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
