1971 Austin Maxi vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1971 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 616 kg more than 1971 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Pontiac Firebird 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 1980 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin Maxi | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | Maxi | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1483 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
