1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 7,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (286 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1434 kg more than 1979 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (555 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 447 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Express | 343 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7439 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 555 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2424 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1400 mm |
