1979 Austin Marina vs. 1987 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1987 Lancia Thema is newer by 8 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 2,445 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lancia Thema (100 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lancia Thema weights approximately 520 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, 1987 Lancia Thema, 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, 1987 Lancia Thema (221 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1987 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | Marina | Thema |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 2445 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
