1977 Austin Maxi vs. 1993 BMW 856
To start off, 1993 BMW 856 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 856 (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 308 more horse power than 1977 Austin Maxi. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 1977 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 885 kg more than 1977 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 BMW 856 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 1993 BMW 856. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 446 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Austin Maxi | 1993 BMW 856 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Maxi | 856 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 5576 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2690 mm |
