1973 Austin Maxi vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 39 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1973 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 715 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 2012 BMW 520 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 2012 BMW 520. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Maxi. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1973 Austin Maxi has manual transmission. 1973 Austin Maxi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Maxi | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Maxi | 520 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
