1979 Austin Marina vs. 1984 Ford Orion
To start off, 1984 Ford Orion is newer by 5 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 1,606 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Austin Marina (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1984 Ford Orion. (54 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Austin Marina should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Orion weights approximately 70 kg more than 1979 Austin Marina.
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, 1984 Ford Orion, 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, 1979 Austin Marina (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Orion. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Austin Marina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1984 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Marina | Orion |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
