1979 Austin Marina vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1979 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 225 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Marina | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Marina | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2512 mm |
