1981 Austin Maxi vs. 1988 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1988 Holden Commodore is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Holden Commodore (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 Austin Maxi. (91 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Holden Commodore weights approximately 325 kg more than 1981 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Holden Commodore 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 1988 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1988 Holden Commodore (292 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Maxi. (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1988 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Maxi | 1988 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Austin | Holden |
| Model | Maxi | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2740 mm |
