1978 Austin Maxi vs. 1959 Fiat 2100
To start off, 1978 Austin Maxi is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 2100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 2100 would be higher. At 2,052 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 2100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 2100 (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 2100 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Austin Maxi weights approximately 46 kg more than 1959 Fiat 2100.
Because 1959 Fiat 2100 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 1959 Fiat 2100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1959 Fiat 2100 (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 2100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Maxi | 1959 Fiat 2100 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Maxi | 2100 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 2052 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 934 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
