2001 Ford TE-50 vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 2001 Ford TE-50 is newer by 20 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 4,940 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford TE-50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford TE-50 (295 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford TE-50 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford TE-50 weights approximately 676 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, 2001 Ford TE-50 (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Ford TE-50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343. 1981 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford TE-50 has manual transmission. 2001 Ford TE-50 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford TE-50 | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | TE-50 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4940 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
