1982 Austin Marina vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1982 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 268 kg more than 1982 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Austin Marina | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | Marina | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2340 mm |
