1980 Austin Maxi vs. 2001 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2001 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 21 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 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (91 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 750 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 2001 Ford Thunderbird 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 2001 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi. 2001 Ford Thunderbird 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. 2001 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 2001 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Maxi | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 59 L |
