1978 Austin Maxi vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Fiat 131 (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 230 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 1979 Fiat 131 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 1979 Fiat 131. 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Maxi | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Maxi | 131 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2500 mm |
