1979 Austin Marina vs. 1973 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Austin Marina is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Lancia Beta weights approximately 120 kg more than 1979 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta, 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, 1973 Lancia Beta (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1973 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | Marina | Beta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2340 mm |
