1978 Austin Maxi vs. 2009 BMW 135
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 31 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 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1978 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 545 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 2009 BMW 135 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 2009 BMW 135. 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Maxi. (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Maxi. 2009 BMW 135 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. 2009 BMW 135 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Maxi | 2009 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Maxi | 135 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 53 L |
