1980 Austin Maxi vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 5 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (109 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (72 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 426 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (132 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maxi | 300 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 22.0:1 |
| 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 | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 70 L |
