1979 Austin Marina vs. 1988 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1988 Opel Kadett 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Opel Kadett (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Opel Kadett weights approximately 127 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 Opel Kadett, 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 Opel Kadett (195 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1988 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Marina | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1007 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2530 mm |
