1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1976 Volvo 343
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1976 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (191 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 343. 1976 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 has manual transmission. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1976 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 145 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
