1971 Austin Maxi vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin Maxi (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin Maxi weights approximately 110 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1971 Austin Maxi (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Austin Maxi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin Maxi | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maxi | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1483 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
