1979 Austin Marina vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius 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 1,495 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Prius (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 450 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, 2009 Toyota Prius, 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 Toyota Prius (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina. 2009 Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 2009 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Austin | Toyota |
| Model | Marina | Prius |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
