2008 Mazda B2300 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 2008 Mazda B2300 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 2,266 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda B2300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda B2300 (144 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda B2300 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343.
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 Mazda B2300 (209 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda B2300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda B2300 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda B2300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda B2300 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | B2300 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2266 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 45 L |
