1978 Austin Marina vs. 2003 Noble M14
To start off, 2003 Noble M14 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 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Noble M14 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Noble M14 (396 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 337 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Noble M14 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Noble M14 weights approximately 268 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, 2003 Noble M14 (522 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Noble M14 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2003 Noble M14 | |
| Make | Austin | Noble |
| Model | Marina | M14 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 522 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |
