1979 Austin Marina vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Austin Marina is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 716 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.
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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | Marina | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2750 mm |
