1978 Austin Marina vs. 2002 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2002 Smart ForFour 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 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Austin Marina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Smart ForFour weights approximately 84 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, 2002 Smart ForFour, 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, 1978 Austin Marina (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Austin Marina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2002 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | Marina | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
