1974 Austin Maxi vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 17 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1974 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 920 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 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 (310 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin Maxi | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maxi | 300 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 100 L |
