1979 Austin Marina vs. 1981 Austin Maxi
To start off, 1981 Austin Maxi is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Austin Maxi (91 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Austin Maxi weights approximately 105 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, 1981 Austin Maxi, 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, 1981 Austin Maxi (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Austin Maxi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1981 Austin Maxi | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | Marina | Maxi |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 95.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
