1959 Abarth 600 vs. 1975 Austin Maxi
To start off, 1975 Austin Maxi is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,483 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Austin Maxi (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Austin Maxi weights approximately 395 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 600 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 1959 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Austin Maxi, 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, 1975 Austin Maxi (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1975 Austin Maxi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 1975 Austin Maxi | |
| Make | Abarth | Austin |
| Model | 600 | Maxi |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1483 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2650 mm |
