2008 Dodge Dakota vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 442 kg more than 1974 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, 2008 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Dakota | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Dodge | Volvo |
| Model | Dakota | 343 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 45 L |
