2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is newer by 30 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 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee (305 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 988 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, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee (453 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Jeep | Volvo |
| Model | Grand Cherokee | 343 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 453 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1978 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
