1978 Austin Marina vs. 1991 Mazda 626
To start off, 1991 Mazda 626 is newer by 13 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 1,789 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mazda 626 (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mazda 626 weights approximately 238 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.
Because 1978 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 1978 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Mazda 626, 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, 1991 Mazda 626 (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1991 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 1991 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | Marina | 626 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 86 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 | 882 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
