1978 Austin Marina vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 31 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina.
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, 2009 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Marina | 550 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 4799 cc |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 491 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2890 mm |
