1970 Austin Maxi vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1970 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1970 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 87 kg more than 1970 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Austin Maxi | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Maxi | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1483 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 142 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| 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 | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
