1980 Austin Maxi vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (72 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 551 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (132 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi. 1996 Pontiac Firebird 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. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | Maxi | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
