1974 Austin Maxi vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 11 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 1,692 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Caterham 1700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1974 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Austin Maxi weights approximately 437 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Because 1985 Caterham 1700 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 1985 Caterham 1700. 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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin Maxi | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | Maxi | 1700 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2240 mm |
