1973 Austin Maxi vs. 1988 BMW 524
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 524 (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1973 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 524 should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1973 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 524. 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Maxi | 1988 BMW 524 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Maxi | 524 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2770 mm |
