1980 Austin Maxi vs. 1956 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1980 Austin Maxi is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Ford Zodiac (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (72 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 208 kg more than 1980 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Zodiac 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 1956 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1956 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (132 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1956 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 1956 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Maxi | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
