1995 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E (217 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 640 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 Mercedes-Benz E (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mercedes-Benz E | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | E | 343 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
