1972 Austin Maxi vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 16 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1972 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 595 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 1988 BMW 525 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 1988 BMW 525. 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin Maxi | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Maxi | 525 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| 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 | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
