1979 Austin Marina vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier 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 3,953 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (257 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina.
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 Nissan Frontier (281 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | Marina | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 3953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
