1978 Austin Maxi vs. 1981 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 208 is newer by 3 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 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 208 (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 325 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 1981 Ferrari 208 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 1981 Ferrari 208. 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, 1981 Ferrari 208 (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Maxi | 1981 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Austin | Ferrari |
| Model | Maxi | 208 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2350 mm |
