2006 Honda Element vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 25 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 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 343 weights approximately 137 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
Because 2006 Honda Element 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, 2006 Honda Element 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343. 1981 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2006 Honda Element has manual transmission. 2006 Honda Element 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:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Element | 343 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 853 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1400 mm |
