1980 Austin Maxi vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 1981 Renault 5 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (91 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 5 weights approximately 55 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 1981 Renault 5 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 1981 Renault 5. 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, 1981 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | Maxi | 5 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 51 L |
