Volkswagen Passat Variant (1974 – 1981) vs Volvo 343 (1976 – 1982): specs compared
The Volvo 343 is the more powerful of the two, with up to 95 hp against 85 hp. It is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 12.5 s against 14.0 s. The Volkswagen Passat Variant has the higher top speed: 170 km/h against 165 km/h. It uses less fuel, from 6.7 L/100 km against 9.0 L/100 km. It is the lighter car, from 945 kg against 965 kg. At 4,440 mm, the Volkswagen Passat Variant is 230 mm longer than the Volvo 343. The Volkswagen Passat Variant dates from 1974 – 1981, the Volvo 343 from 1976 – 1982.
| Specification |
Volkswagen
Passat Variant
1974 – 1981
|
Volvo
343
1976 – 1982
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Origin | Germany | Sweden |
| Documented years | 1974 – 1981 | 1976 – 1982 |
| Body style | Variant · Estate / wagon | — |
| Variants | 4 | 3 |
| Fuel | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol |
| Drive | FWD | RWD |
| Gearbox | Manual | Manual |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 54 – 86 hp | 64 – 95 hp |
| Torque | 88 – 127 Nm | 105 – 150 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 14.0 – 20.5 s | 12.5 – 16.5 s |
| Top speed | 143 – 170 km/h | 150 – 165 km/h |
| Economy | ||
| Fuel economy | 6.7 – 9.0 L/100 km | 9.0 – 10.0 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,440 mm | 4,210 mm |
| Width | 1,679 – 1,680 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Height | 1,379 – 1,380 mm | 1,390 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Curb weight | 945 – 980 kg | 965 – 1,113 kg |
Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.