1974 Austin Marina vs. 1999 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 1999 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Austin Marina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1974 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 180 kg more than 1974 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 1999 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin Marina | 1999 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Marina | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2280 mm |
