2009 Chevrolet Express vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Express is newer by 28 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 5,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Express (319 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 270 kg more than 1981 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, 2009 Chevrolet Express (498 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 390 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Express | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Express | 343 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 319 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 12 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1400 mm |
