1979 Austin Marina vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 85 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | Marina | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2270 mm |
