1996 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Austin Marina
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1974 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 272 kg more than 1974 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort, 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, 1996 Ford Escort (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Marina. 1974 Austin Marina has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Austin Marina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1974 Austin Marina | |
| Make | Ford | Austin |
| Model | Escort | Marina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2440 mm |
