1999 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 21 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (240 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 480 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.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volvo 343. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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:
| 1999 Volkswagen Golf | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 343 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
