1978 Austin Marina vs. 1983 BMW 525
To start off, 1983 BMW 525 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Austin Marina would be higher. At 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 525 (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 368 kg more than 1978 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 1983 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Marina | 525 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2693 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
