1974 Austin Maxi vs. 1996 BMW 535
To start off, 1996 BMW 535 is newer by 22 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 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1974 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 630 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 1996 BMW 535 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 1996 BMW 535. 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin Maxi | 1996 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Maxi | 535 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 78.9 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 | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
