1979 Austin Marina vs. 1989 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1989 Ford Tempo is newer by 10 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Tempo (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Tempo weights approximately 270 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, 1989 Ford Tempo, 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, 1989 Ford Tempo (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1989 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Marina | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2540 mm |
