1973 Austin Maxi vs. 1996 Ford Contour
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 23 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1973 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 262 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Maxi | 1996 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Maxi | Contour |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
