Originally Posted by fromYXU
Underpowered may be the wrong term. Suggest that the aircraft is poorly designed.
The 340 is designed to use minimal power for takeoff (less stress on the engines) so that it appears sluggish. Nothing wrong with the aircraft.
Underpowered may be the precise term. Apparently the 340 was designed around a P&W geared turbo fan - which never was produced. The only suitable replacement engines available then was what was being used on 737s and A320s which left a little to be desired.