1973 Austin Marina vs. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1973 Austin Marina is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,859 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1973 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 603 kg more than 1973 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Marina. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Marina. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1973 Austin Marina has manual transmission. 1973 Austin Marina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Marina | 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | Marina | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1483 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2930 mm |
