2009 Dodge Charger vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger 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 3,518 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Charger (250 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Charger weights approximately 702 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 Dodge Charger (339 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Dodge | Volvo |
| Model | Charger | 343 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3518 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
