1981 Austin Marina vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 28 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 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Sportage (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1981 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 405 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, 2009 Kia Sportage, 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Marina | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Austin | Kia |
| Model | Marina | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
