1979 Austin Marina vs. 2010 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2010 Nissan Versa is newer by 31 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Versa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Versa (107 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Versa weights approximately 261 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, 2010 Nissan Versa, 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, 2010 Nissan Versa (150 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Versa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 2010 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | Marina | Versa |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1141 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2601 mm |
