1974 Austin Maxi vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1974 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 710 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 SL 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 SL. 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 SL (272 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maxi | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
