1978 Austin Maxi vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1981 Nissan Laurel 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 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 90 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 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel. 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 Nissan Laurel (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Maxi. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1978 Austin Maxi has manual transmission. 1978 Austin Maxi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Maxi | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | Maxi | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
