1981 Austin Marina vs. 1980 Ford Laser
To start off, 1981 Austin Marina is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Laser (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Austin Marina weights approximately 45 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser.
Because 1981 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 1981 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser, 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, 1980 Ford Laser (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Marina. 1980 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1981 Austin Marina has manual transmission. 1981 Austin Marina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Marina | 1980 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Marina | Laser |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2370 mm |
