1979 Austin Marina vs. 1996 Fiat Panda
To start off, 1996 Fiat Panda is newer by 17 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 1,274 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Austin Marina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Austin Marina (59 HP) has 26 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Panda. (33 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Austin Marina should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Austin Marina weights approximately 196 kg more than 1996 Fiat Panda. 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, 1996 Fiat Panda, 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, 1979 Austin Marina (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Panda. (58 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Austin Marina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1996 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Marina | Panda |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 33 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 58 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2170 mm |
