1978 Austin Marina vs. 1996 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 18 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 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 823 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan, 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina. 1996 Dodge Caravan has automatic transmission and 1978 Austin Marina has manual transmission. 1978 Austin Marina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Dodge Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 1996 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Austin | Dodge |
| Model | Marina | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2880 mm |
