1979 Austin Marina vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 33 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 855 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.
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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Marina | 328 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2810 mm |
