1979 Austin Marina vs. 1991 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Elan weights approximately 140 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, 1991 Lotus Elan, 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, 1991 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1991 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Marina | Elan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2260 mm |
