1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1979 Austin Marina
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,370 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (104 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1979 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1979 Austin Marina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 146 | Marina |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 1274 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 70.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
