1978 Austin Marina vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra 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 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Vectra (152 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Vectra weights approximately 668 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, 2003 Opel Vectra, 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (229 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Marina | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2840 mm |
