1980 Austin Maxi vs. 1990 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (161 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (91 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 82 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 1990 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maxi | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2480 mm |
