1978 Austin Maxi vs. 1970 Fiat 124
To start off, 1978 Austin Maxi is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Fiat 124 (95 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Austin Maxi weights approximately 20 kg more than 1970 Fiat 124.
Because 1970 Fiat 124 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 1970 Fiat 124. 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, 1970 Fiat 124 (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1970 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Maxi | 1970 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Maxi | 124 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2430 mm |
