1995 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 1995 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1995 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1980 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 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mazda RX-7 | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-7 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
