1978 Austin Marina vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 29 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 503 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, 2007 Opel Astra, 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, 2007 Opel Astra (251 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Marina | Astra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
