1972 Austin Marina vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1972 Austin Marina. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 375 kg more than 1972 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Austin Marina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Lancia Thema (320 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin Marina. (145 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin Marina | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | Marina | Thema |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
