1976 Austin Maxi vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1976 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 196 kg more than 1976 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Austin Maxi. (105 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Austin Maxi | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Maxi | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2440 mm |
