1978 Austin Maxi vs. 1970 Fiat 850
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 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,485 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Austin Maxi (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Austin Maxi weights approximately 245 kg more than 1970 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Fiat 850 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 850. 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, 1978 Austin Maxi (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 850. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Austin Maxi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Maxi | 1970 Fiat 850 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Maxi | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 903 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2040 mm |
