1971 Austin Maxi vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1981 Nissan Laurel is newer by 10 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 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin Maxi (69 HP) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (60 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 125 kg more than 1971 Austin Maxi.
Because 1981 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (123 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin Maxi | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | Maxi | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1483 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 60 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
