1978 Austin Marina vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 33 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Exige weights approximately 60 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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Marina | Exige |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2299 mm |
