1978 Austin Marina vs. 1997 Buick Century
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 19 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 638 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, 1997 Buick Century, 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina. 1997 Buick Century 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. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 1997 Buick Century | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | Marina | Century |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2780 mm |
