1979 Austin Marina vs. 2009 Opel Insignia
To start off, 2009 Opel Insignia 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 1,956 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Opel Insignia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Insignia (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Insignia should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina.
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, 2009 Opel Insignia, 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, 2009 Opel Insignia (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Insignia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina. 2009 Opel Insignia has automatic transmission and 1979 Austin Marina has manual transmission. 1979 Austin Marina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Opel Insignia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 2009 Opel Insignia | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Marina | Insignia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1856 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1498 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2737 mm |
