1978 Austin Marina vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 28 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 2,497 cc, 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 953 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, 2006 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Marina | 523 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2497 cc |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2890 mm |
