1996 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1996 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (291 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 663 kg more than 1979 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, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jaguar XK8 | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volvo |
| Model | XK8 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
