2008 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1978 Austin Marina
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 486 kg more than 1978 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 (305 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1978 Austin Marina | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 147 | Marina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 70.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
