1981 Austin Marina vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 18 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 351 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 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Austin Marina | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | Marina | Beetle |
Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 102 Nm | 171 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1231 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |