2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 343 weights approximately 293 kg more than 2000 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, 2000 Caterham C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | C21 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2400 mm |
