1979 Austin Marina vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda 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 1,274 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Austin Marina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat Panda (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat Panda weights approximately 260 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 2012 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Austin Marina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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 Fiat Panda (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Marina | Panda |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
