1996 Honda Ballade vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1996 Honda Ballade is newer by 22 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 1,491 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Ballade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Ballade (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Ballade should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Ballade weights approximately 147 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, 1996 Honda Ballade, 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, 1996 Honda Ballade (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Ballade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Ballade | 343 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 45 L |
