1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 582 kg more than 1981 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Corvette | 343 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1400 mm |
