1978 Austin Marina vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 24 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 463 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Marina | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
