1981 Austin Marina vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 451 kg more than 1981 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (195 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Austin Marina | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | Marina | Golf |
Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1780 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 102 Nm | 195 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1331 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |