1973 Austin Maxi vs. 1966 Marcos 1500
To start off, 1973 Austin Maxi is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Marcos 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Marcos 1500 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Marcos 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Marcos 1500 (85 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Marcos 1500 should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Austin Maxi weights approximately 270 kg more than 1966 Marcos 1500.
Because 1966 Marcos 1500 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 1966 Marcos 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1966 Marcos 1500 (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1966 Marcos 1500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Maxi | 1966 Marcos 1500 | |
| Make | Austin | Marcos |
| Model | Maxi | 1500 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2290 mm |
