1974 Austin Marina vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 34 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1974 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 610 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.
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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin Marina | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Marina | 523 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2890 mm |
