1979 Austin Marina vs. 2011 Fiat Grande Punto
To start off, 2011 Fiat Grande Punto is newer by 32 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Fiat Grande Punto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Fiat Grande Punto (118 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Fiat Grande Punto should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Fiat Grande Punto weights approximately 385 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, 2011 Fiat Grande Punto, 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, 2011 Fiat Grande Punto (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Fiat Grande Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 2011 Fiat Grande Punto | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Marina | Grande Punto |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
