1978 Austin Marina vs. 1999 Acura EL
To start off, 1999 Acura EL is newer by 21 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Acura EL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Acura EL (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Acura EL should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Acura EL weights approximately 197 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, 1999 Acura EL, 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, 1999 Acura EL (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Acura EL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 1999 Acura EL | |
| Make | Austin | Acura |
| Model | Marina | EL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1079 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1704 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2619 mm |
