Group 34 Batteries: Comparison Chart and Recommendations

Published on: May 24, 2023
Written by Liam Jaxon / Fact-checked by David Rowan

In most cases, the car battery group is determined by your vehicle’s model, manufacture, and engine type. If your car requires a medium-large battery, this could signify your car needs a group 34 battery. We can see vehicle manufacturers frequently use group 34 batteries because of their valuable features. It is slightly larger than a medium battery but somewhat smaller than a large battery. Also, the positive terminal of this battery is on the left side. 

A group 34 battery has a 20-hour capacity in the 50 to 75 Ah range, which is generally considered adequate for most applications. Depending on the model, it also has 750 to 900 cold-cranking amps and a reserve capacity of between 100 and 145 minutes. These batteries are far more powerful than you might imagine.

It is wise to consider the size, features, and recommendations before installing group 34 batteries. Don’t worry; we are here to help. The comparison chart and our recommendations are here to assist you in making an informed decision. Let’s take a look around!

What Does Group 34 Battery Mean?

Before you opt for a group 34 battery, you must know what a Group 34 battery means? The Battery Council International decided to establish a consistent naming scheme for battery sizes. The battery group size impacts the polarity of the positive and negative posts.

So group 34 battery is one of them. It’s a powerful medium-size battery that measures around L 26 x W 17 x H 20 cm in actual dimensions. Group 34 batteries are shorter than group 27 batteries but greater than those from a related group 31 batteries.

The weight of a 34 battery varies depending on the construction, chemistry, kind, and other factors. It ranges from 37 to 51 pounds in most cases. The majority of these batteries have a suitable handle or handles for carrying them around.

Group 34 Batteries Average Specifications

• Ah range: 50 to 75 Ah;
• CCA: 750 to 900;
• Reserve Capacity: 100 to 145 minutes;
• Battery Weight: 16.8 to 23.1 kg;
• Dimension: L 26 x W 17.3 x H 20 cm.

Features of Group 34 Batteries

The features of group 34 batteries are determined by their intended use. There are three types of uses: starting or cranking, dual-purpose and deep cycle group 34 batteries. Below are their features:

Starting or Cranking Group 34 Batteries 

For starters, AGM lead-acid batteries with CCA values ranging from 775 to 800 amps and MCA values ranging from 1000 amps. Also, Reserve Capacity ranging from 100 to 120 minutes and typical weights ranging from 38 to 45 pounds are the most common type of group 34 battery.

The performance of Optima OPT8002-002 Group 34 Batteries as starting batteries is optimized for delivering high currents for short periods. Despite the fact that they are AGM lead-acid batteries, they should not be utilized in deep drain situations. Even 

Delphi BU9034 MaxStart Group 34 Batteries is also designed as starting batteries; they can withstand a significant number of charging and discharging cycles.

While Flooded Group 34 batteries are no longer widely available, Enhanced Flooded lead-acid batteries like Odyssey 34-PC1500T  provide superior electrolyte mixing and often outperform AGM batteries when used in Start or Stop vehicles.

We recommend using a maintenance-free, high-quality AGM lead-acid battery for high-demanding Start&Stop applications. This way, you won’t have to worry about corrosion of terminals/cables corrosion, checking the amount of electrolyte, or anything else.

Model	Battery Type	Chemistry	Ah	CCA	RC	Weight (kg)
ACDelco 34AGM	Starting	AGM,Lead-Acid,	60	740	115	17.4 kg
Delphi BU9034	Starting	AGM	55	775	120	19.3 kg
Optima Batteries OPT8002	Starting	AGM,Lead-Acid,	50	800	100	17.2 kg
Odyssey 34-PC1500T	Starting	AGM,Lead-Acid,		850	100	22.45 Kg

Dual-purpose Group 34 Batteries 

AGM lead-acid batteries dominate dual-purpose group 34 batteries, while Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are slowly entering the market. Most of the dual-purpose group 34 batteries, like Northstar NSB-AGM34 Group 34 Battery, have CCAs between 750 and 880 Amps, MCAs between 870 to 1050 Amps, Reserve Capacities between 100 to 135 minutes, and weigh up to 51 pounds. Optima Batteries OPT8014 group 34 battery is another option for reliable services.

Due to the thicker plates, dual-purpose batteries are heavier than beginning batteries, but they start faster and cycle better than starting batteries. Dual-purpose batteries are more expensive than beginning batteries due to their versatility. If you need a battery for your car, boat, or any light industrial application, Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST dual-purpose batteries are the way to go.

Model	Battery Type	Chemistry	Ah	CCA	RC	Weight (kg)
Northstar NSB-AGM34	Dual Purpose	AGM	65	880	134	23.1 kg
Optima Batteries OPT8014	Dual Purpose	AGM	55	750	120	19.7 kg
Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST	Dual Purpose	AGM	68	850	135	22.4 kg
XS Power D3400 XS	Dual Purpose	AGM	65	–	135	21.32 kg

Deep Cycle Group 34 Batteries

Batteries with a deep cycle capacity of 75 Ah are less frequent than starter and dual-purpose group 34 batteries.

However, it’s still an excellent value with a notional 75 Ah capacity and a reserve capacity of 140 minutes. Most of them weigh approximately 20.4 kg. An HCA of 1100 Amps of 77°F is a deep cycle battery. One of the popular deep cycle batteries is Optima 34M 800CCA whose capacity is up to 48V and can be utilized in both series and parallel.

However, VMAX XTR34-75 is also meant for deep cycle applications such as trolling motor batteries, off-grid solar and wind, power inverter batteries, electric vehicles, wheelchair batteries, etc.

Model	Battery Type	Chemistry	Ah	CCA	RC	Weight (kg)
Optima 34M 800CCA	Deep Cycle Dual Purpose	Lithium-Iron Phosphate	50	800	–	‎13.8 kg
VMAX XTR34-75	Deep Cycle	AGM	75	–	145	20.4 kg
Interstate MTZ-34	Deep Cycle	AGM,Lead-Acid,	63	800	–	21.32 kg

Comparison Chart

If you are concerned about the difference between Group 24 and Group 34 batteries or Group 31 and Group 34 batteries, the chart below will help you clarify your doubt.

Model	Battery Type	Chemistry	Ah	CCA	RC	Weight (kg)
ACDelco 34AGM	Starting	AGM,Lead-Acid,	60	740	115	17.4 kg
Delphi BU9034	Starting	AGM	55	775	120	19.3 kg
Northstar NSB-AGM34	Dual Purpose	AGM	65	880	134	23.1 kg
Optima Batteries OPT8014	Dual Purpose	AGM	55	750	120	19.7 kg
Optima 34M 800CCA	Deep CycleDual Purpose	Lithium-Iron Phosphate	50	800	–	‎13.8 kg
VMAX XTR34-75	Deep Cycle	AGM	75	–	145	20.4 kg

Instructions for Charging Group 34 Batteries:

When group 34 batteries are used in cars with an internal combustion engine with an alternator, the battery can be charged by the car’s onboard charging system.

When charging this and similar batteries using battery chargers, make sure to use smart battery chargers designed to charge different battery types (flooded, AGM, Gel-Cell), with charging currents in the 10-15 Amp range.

If you have a lithium battery, make sure to charge a lithium battery with a normal charger designed for it or with an intelligent AGM battery charger that has a charging mode specifically for lithium batteries to avoid damaging the battery.

FAQs

What Types of Batteries Are Used in Group 34 Batteries?

Group 34 batteries are typically lead-acid automotive batteries that use a combination of lead and lead dioxide plates submerged in a sulfuric acid electrolyte.

What Vehicle Takes a Group 34 Battery?

Group 34 falls under the category of standard top post batteries in terms of group size. Group 34 batteries favor most imported and American-made vehicles like GM, Chrysler, Dodge, etc. This is the most prevalent battery group size in today’s cars. It all comes down to the design of the vehicle.

What Are the Dimensions of a Group 34 Battery?

The physical dimensions of a group 34 battery vary depending on the manufacturer. Generally, it is around 10 inches long, 6.75 inches wide, and 7.75 inches tall.

What Is the Difference Between Group 24 and Group 34 Batteries?

Group 24 vs. Group 34 batteries have a similar size. The 24 is significantly taller than the 34. This means the Group 34 battery will simply fit into your car’s battery compartment.

What Is the Difference Between a Group 31 and Group 34 Battery?

The most significant difference between the two groups is that Group 31 has a 96 AH battery, while Group 34 contains a 62 AH battery as the primary difference.

Endline

It is hassle-free and straightforward to obtain a new battery when you know the Group Size of your vehicle. I hope this group 34 batteries comparison chart and recommendations guide has helped you learn more about batteries, including their types, sizes, CCA, and which brands are best for you.

To be safe, always refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or service manual before replacing the battery.

Relevant Resources:

• Group 31 Batteries: Dimensions, Features and Comparisons
• Group 78 Batteries – Dimensions, Features, and Our Selection
• Best Batteries for Jeep Wrangler