1979 Austin Marina vs. 1988 Austin Montego
To start off, 1988 Austin Montego is newer by 9 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Austin Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Austin Montego (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Austin Montego should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Austin Montego weights approximately 220 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, 1988 Austin Montego, 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, 1988 Austin Montego (158 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Austin Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1988 Austin Montego | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | Marina | Montego |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
