2003 Alpina Roadster vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 2003 Alpina Roadster is newer by 25 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 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina Roadster (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina Roadster weights approximately 636 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.
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, 2003 Alpina Roadster (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2003 Alpina Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Alpina Roadster 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:
| 2003 Alpina Roadster | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | Roadster | 343 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
