Volvo 340 1.4 DL or 1.7 GLE

Post by **sheffvolvo** » 13 Jan 2007 11:15 am

Hi
Have seen similar cars same year for sale. Would anybody have a recommendation as to which one is better ??

Thanks

Ben

Post by **pettaw** » 13 Jan 2007 11:25 am

What do you want it for? Different engines are better for different things.

Post by **sven360** » 13 Jan 2007 11:27 am

Don't know much about either variety but I'd imagine a 1.4 wouldn't pull a hen off it's nest but a 1.7 might

Whichever has tha least rust is best I'd imagine-I'm sure one of our more knowledgable members will be along soon to give you a more reasoned response but they both drive at the right end and are pretty bulletproof-so what more d'ya want for less than the price of a mountain bike

Post by **sheffvolvo** » 13 Jan 2007 11:48 am

I want if for a bit of town driving and a bit of motorway.

Post by **SteveP** » 13 Jan 2007 12:43 pm

Both will be fine for your uses... the 1.4 being cheaper to tax, and you wont have to worry about changing the cambelt requiring changing - as they run a timing chain.

The GLE will have a nicer trim and electric windows etc though, as apposed to the almost spartan DL. Definitely buy on body condition!

Post by **pettaw** » 13 Jan 2007 12:49 pm

^what he says

Although if you're using it on motorways, the GLE will probably have a rear spoiler and therefore be slightly steadier on its feet.

The 1.4 isn't that much more economical apart from road tax, if the 1.7 is in good condition, engine and carb wise, but 1.7s suffer more from carb problems.

Post by **foggyjames** » 14 Jan 2007 12:24 am

Tax aside, the 1.7 GLE is almost certainly the 'better' car all else being equal. I wouldn't write the 1.4 off too easily though - it'll pretty much hold a 360 up to about 40mph, and will cruise at three figure speeds...plus the tax is cheaper, as is insurance (to an extent), and fuel consumption is somewhat better if you drive it gently.

cheers

James