1980 Austin Maxi vs. 1976 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1980 Austin Maxi is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (154 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 785 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 1976 Buick Riviera 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 1976 Buick Riviera. 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (105 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 Austin Maxi has manual transmission. 1980 Austin Maxi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 1976 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | Maxi | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 5724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 1800 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2950 mm |
