1978 Austin Marina vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 630 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 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Marina | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | Marina | Altima |
| 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 | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2675 mm |
