1980 Austin Marina vs. 1990 Mazda 323
To start off, 1990 Mazda 323 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,720 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Austin Marina (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1990 Mazda 323. (56 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Austin Marina should accelerate faster than 1990 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mazda 323 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1980 Austin Marina.
Because 1980 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 1980 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Mazda 323, 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, 1990 Mazda 323 (114 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Marina. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Marina | 1990 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | Marina | 323 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2460 mm |
