1972 Austin Maxi vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1972 Austin Maxi. (95 HP @ 5350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1972 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin Maxi. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin Maxi. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1972 Austin Maxi has manual transmission. 1972 Austin Maxi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin Maxi | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maxi | 280 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5350 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 158 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 90 L |
