1978 Austin Marina vs. 2005 Renault Megane
To start off, 2005 Renault Megane 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Megane (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Megane weights approximately 273 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, 2005 Renault Megane, 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, 2005 Renault Megane (127 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2005 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | Marina | Megane |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2490 mm |
