1981 Austin Marina vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 306 more horse power than 1981 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 1101 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 2012 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Austin Marina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (474 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 372 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Marina. 2012 Ford Taurus 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. 2012 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Marina | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Marina | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2868 mm |
