1979 Austin Marina vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1996 Opel Vectra 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Vectra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Vectra weights approximately 386 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, 1996 Opel Vectra, 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, 1996 Opel Vectra (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Marina | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
