1979 Austin Marina vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 30 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Exige weights approximately 36 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Marina | Exige |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
