1978 Austin Marina vs. 2005 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2005 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 27 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 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 870 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, 2005 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2005 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Marina | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1752 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
