1981 Austin Marina vs. 1996 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1996 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Suzuki Samurai (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 50 kg more than 1981 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Austin Marina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai 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, 1996 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Marina | 1996 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Austin | Suzuki |
| Model | Marina | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2490 mm |
