1975 Austin Marina vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1980 Renault 12 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Austin Marina (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1980 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Austin Marina should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Renault 12 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1975 Austin Marina.
Because 1975 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 1975 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Renault 12, 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, 1975 Austin Marina (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Austin Marina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Austin Marina | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | Marina | 12 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
