2002 Smart ForTwo vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 22 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 343 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1980 Volvo 343 (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo. 1980 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2002 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2002 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Smart ForTwo | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Smart | Volvo |
| Model | ForTwo | 343 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 799 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1400 mm |
