1996 Volvo 960 vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1996 Volvo 960 is newer by 18 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 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 510 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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo 960 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo 960 | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 960 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
