1978 Austin Marina vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (89 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 366 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 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Marina | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
