1974 Austin Maxi vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
To start off, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire (130 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1974 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire weights approximately 353 kg more than 1974 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire 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 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin Maxi | 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire | |
| Make | Austin | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Maxi | Starfire |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
