2004 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 2004 Fiat Panda is newer by 23 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Fiat Panda weights approximately 110 kg more than 1981 Volvo 343.
Because 2004 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volvo 343. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda 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, 1981 Volvo 343 (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Panda. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Panda. 1981 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2004 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2004 Fiat Panda 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:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Panda | 343 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1400 mm |
