1980 Austin Maxi vs. 1984 BMW 318
To start off, 1984 BMW 318 is newer by 4 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 318 (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (72 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 318 weights approximately 16 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 1984 BMW 318 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 1984 BMW 318. 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, 1984 BMW 318 (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (132 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 1984 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Maxi | 318 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
