1978 Austin Marina vs. 1996 Volvo 440
To start off, 1996 Volvo 440 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 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 440 (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 440 weights approximately 143 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 Volvo 440, 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 Volvo 440 (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 1996 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | Marina | 440 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
