1981 Austin Marina vs. 2012 Fiat Grande Punto
To start off, 2012 Fiat Grande Punto is newer by 31 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 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Austin Marina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat Grande Punto (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Grande Punto should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat Grande Punto weights approximately 285 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, 2012 Fiat Grande Punto, 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, 2012 Fiat Grande Punto (190 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat Grande Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Marina | 2012 Fiat Grande Punto | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Marina | Grande Punto |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1247 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
