1979 Austin Marina vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 2,835 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix (129 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 566 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 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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 Pontiac Grand Prix (217 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | Marina | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2740 mm |
