1980 Austin Maxi vs. 1959 Riley 4-68
To start off, 1980 Austin Maxi is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Riley 4-68. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley 4-68 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Riley 4-68 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Austin Maxi (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1959 Riley 4-68. (63 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1959 Riley 4-68. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Riley 4-68 weights approximately 112 kg more than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Because 1959 Riley 4-68 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 1959 Riley 4-68. 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, 1959 Riley 4-68 (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (105 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1959 Riley 4-68 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 1959 Riley 4-68 | |
| Make | Austin | Riley |
| Model | Maxi | 4-68 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
