1978 Austin Marina vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 22 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Contour weights approximately 360 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, 2000 Ford Contour, 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, 2000 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Marina | Contour |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
