1978 Austin Marina vs. 2004 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2004 Opel Vectra is newer by 26 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 2,169 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Vectra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Vectra weights approximately 623 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, 2004 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, 2004 Opel Vectra (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Marina | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
