1978 Austin Maxi vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 27 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1978 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 685 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 2005 BMW 525 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 2005 BMW 525. 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, 2005 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Maxi. 2005 BMW 525 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. 2005 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Maxi | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Maxi | 525 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
