1979 Austin Marina vs. 1985 BMW 324
To start off, 1985 BMW 324 is newer by 6 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW 324 (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW 324 should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 324 weights approximately 380 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, 1985 BMW 324 (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1985 BMW 324 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Marina | 324 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
