| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1976 |
| Production Years: | 1976 - 1991 discontinued in 1991 |
Precise measurements of the 1976 Volvo 340-360, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Weight Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight: | 950 kg2094 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1420 kg3131 lbs |
The Volvo 340-360 series, including the 343 and 345 models, is a classic compact hatchback produced by Volvo from 1976 to 1991. Designed to provide a practical and reliable driving experience, these vehicles are a hallmark of late 20th-century automotive design. Featuring a curb weight of approximately 950 kilograms (2094 pounds) and a maximum weight of 1420 kilograms (3130 pounds), the Volvo 340-360 strikes a balance between sturdiness and efficiency. As a hatchback, it offers versatility in cargo space and passenger accommodation, making it suitable for everyday commuting and small family use.
Though specific exterior dimensions such as length, width, and height are not listed here, the Volvo 340-360 series is well-known for its compact footprint, placing it comfortably within the small car segment of its era. This generation's design bears a straightforward and functional appeal often valued by enthusiasts and owners for its robustness and longevity. The 343 variant is typically a three-door hatchback while the 345 denotes the five-door version, catering to different practical needs. Throughout its production run, Volvo continuously refined the 340-360 models, maintaining relevance and appeal in the competitive hatchback market.
For those interested in car size comparisons, the Volvo 340-360 remains a notable example of an efficient compact hatchback from the late 1970s to early 1990s, embodying Volvo's commitment to safety and simplicity in design. Its lightweight construction and manageable dimensions contribute to easy maneuverability, making it a preferred choice for urban environments.
Discover the standout features that make the 1976 Volvo 340-360 a leader in its class
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The Volvo 340-360 series (including models 343 and 345) has a compact hatchback body style typical of the late 1970s through early 1990s. While exact dimensions can vary slightly by specific trim and year, generally, the length was around 4,020 mm (158.3 inches), the width approximately 1,600 mm (63 inches), and the height near 1,360 mm (53.5 inches). These dimensions made it a small yet practical car capable of urban maneuvering and parking, balancing interior space and exterior compactness.
The Volvo 340-360 (343, 345) hatchback has a curb weight of approximately 950 kg (about 2,094 pounds). The maximum weight capacity, which includes passengers and cargo, tops out at around 1,420 kg (3,131 pounds). This ratio between curb and maximum weight shows the car's ability to comfortably carry up to roughly 470 kg (1,037 pounds) in passengers and cargo, emphasizing its efficiency and practical urban use within a lightweight framework.
The interior space of the Volvo 340-360 (343, 345) is functional and designed for small families or daily commuting. Seating capacity is typically for five passengers with two front seats and a rear bench seat. Cargo volume varies depending on whether the rear seats are folded, but the hatchback design allows flexibility. The car offers a modest trunk space in normal configuration, expandable by folding the rear seats forward, making it practical for groceries, luggage, or small furniture pieces despite its compact exterior dimensions.
Yes, the Volvo 340-360 (343, 345) fits comfortably into a standard garage. Given its length of approximately 4,020 mm (158.3 inches) and width around 1,600 mm (63 inches), it is smaller than many modern vehicles, allowing it to park easily in typical residential garages, which commonly measure about 5,500 mm (216 inches) deep and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) wide. This compact footprint makes it suitable for home parking without requiring special accommodations.
The Volvo 340-360 series was essentially a new project rather than a straightforward successor to a specific earlier model, replacing the Volvo PV series and some older rear-wheel-drive models. Dimensionally, it offered a more compact and modern layout compared to the bulky and taller earlier Volvos. Its lower height and shorter length improved aerodynamics and urban usability, marking a significant shift toward the front-wheel-drive hatchback concept, which was new to Volvo at that time, contrasting with the heavier and boxier predecessors.
Compared to similar hatchbacks from the same era, such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 and Ford Fiesta from the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Volvo 340-360 holds a comparable size profile. It has modestly similar length and width, with slightly more robust Volvo build quality. The 340-360 is somewhat heavier due to its solid construction and safety focus, but its external dimensions place it comfortably among the compact hatchback segment, balancing size and usability for urban and suburban driving.
The width of the Volvo 340-360 (343, 345) is approximately 1,600 mm (63 inches), and the height is about 1,360 mm (53.5 inches). These dimensions affect its maneuverability by enabling a tighter turning radius and easier navigation through narrow streets or tight parking spots. The relatively low height contributes to a stable driving feel and helped improve aerodynamic efficiency, which was an important factor for fuel economy and overall driving dynamics at the time.
The wheelbase for the Volvo 340-360 (343, 345) is approximately 2,460 mm (96.9 inches). This medium length wheelbase plays a vital role in balancing ride comfort and handling responsiveness. A longer wheelbase generally provides smoother rides by reducing pitch and vibrations, whereas a shorter wheelbase improves maneuverability in urban settings. For the Volvo 340-360, the given wheelbase was a compromise that delivered acceptable ride quality without sacrificing the car's ability to handle tight corners and congested city driving.
The Volvo 340-360 hatchback has a modest ground clearance close to 140 mm (5.5 inches), combined with an overall height of around 1,360 mm (53.5 inches). While primarily designed for city and highway use, this clearance was sufficient for moderate uneven surfaces and minor road obstacles common in suburban and rural Europe during its production years. However, this vehicle was not intended for serious off-road capability but handled rough roads better than many contemporaries, thanks in part to its sturdy Volvo engineering.
The Volvo 340-360 series introduced several key changes in both design and engineering compared to earlier Volvo models. Notably, it shifted from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, improving interior space and driving dynamics. Its hatchback design provided enhanced practicality. The series incorporated more fuel-efficient and smaller four-cylinder engines, a lighter curb weight of around 950 kg (2,094 lbs), and an emphasis on safety features with Volvo’s reputation. These changes signified Volvo’s move towards more modern compact cars aimed at urban drivers and small families.
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