1979 Austin Marina vs. 1988 BMW M5
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 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 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 853 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, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1988 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Marina | M5 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 3533 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1733 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2770 mm |
