1978 Austin Marina vs. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 668 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 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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 Pontiac Grand Prix (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Austin Marina | 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
Make | Austin | Pontiac |
Model | Marina | Grand Prix |
Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3785 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 102 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1550 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2810 mm |