1970 Austin Maxi vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1983 Lotus Excel is newer by 13 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), 1983 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1970 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1970 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 155 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 1983 Lotus Excel 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 1983 Lotus Excel. 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Austin Maxi | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Maxi | Excel |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1483 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 142 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
