1999 Mercury Villager vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 1999 Mercury Villager is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 3,276 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Villager is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Villager (169 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Villager should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Villager weights approximately 795 kg more than 1980 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Villager, 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 Mercury Villager (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Villager will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Villager | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Villager | 343 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3276 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1400 mm |
