1972 Austin Maxi vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1972 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 359 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 1995 Lotus Esprit 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 1995 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin Maxi | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Maxi | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 73 L |
