1980 Austin Marina vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 18 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (71 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1980 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1980 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Marina. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | Marina | 323 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
