1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 19 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 343 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1998 Caterham C21.
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, 1998 Caterham C21 (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 343. 1979 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1998 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1998 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | C21 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1400 mm |
