1978 Austin Marina vs. 2012 Ford Fusion
To start off, 2012 Ford Fusion is newer by 34 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Fusion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Fusion (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Fusion should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Fusion weights approximately 747 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, 2012 Ford Fusion, 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, 2012 Ford Fusion (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Fusion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina. 2012 Ford Fusion has automatic transmission and 1978 Austin Marina has manual transmission. 1978 Austin Marina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Fusion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2012 Ford Fusion | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Marina | Fusion |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1629 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2728 mm |
