1979 Austin Marina vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 185 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | Marina | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2270 mm |
