1980 Austin Maxi vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 27 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (72 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Austin Maxi weights approximately 199 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 Lotus Elise 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 2007 Lotus Elise. 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (132 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Maxi | Elise |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 38 L |
