1978 Austin Maxi vs. 1963 Bristol 408
To start off, 1978 Austin Maxi is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1978 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1978 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Bristol 408 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 1963 Bristol 408. 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, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Maxi. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 1978 Austin Maxi has manual transmission. 1978 Austin Maxi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Maxi | 1963 Bristol 408 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | Maxi | 408 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 5129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 72 L |
