1978 Austin Marina vs. 2003 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2003 Dodge Dakota is newer by 25 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 654 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 2003 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Austin Marina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2003 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Austin | Dodge |
| Model | Marina | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2850 mm |
