1980 Austin Maxi vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 17 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (72 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 521 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 1997 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 1997 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (132 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | Maxi | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1505 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 58 L |
