1970 Austin Maxi vs. 1959 MG MGA
To start off, 1970 Austin Maxi is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 MG MGA (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1970 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1970 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Austin Maxi weights approximately 80 kg more than 1959 MG MGA.
Because 1959 MG MGA 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 MG MGA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 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, 1959 MG MGA (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1959 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Austin Maxi | 1959 MG MGA | |
| Make | Austin | MG |
| Model | Maxi | MGA |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1483 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2390 mm |
