1978 Austin Maxi vs. 1970 Riley 4
To start off, 1978 Austin Maxi is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,622 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Austin Maxi (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1970 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1970 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Riley 4 weights approximately 168 kg more than 1978 Austin Maxi.
Because 1970 Riley 4 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 Riley 4. 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 Riley 4 (120 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1970 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Maxi | 1970 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Austin | Riley |
| Model | Maxi | 4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
