1981 Austin Maxi vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 8 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1981 Austin Maxi. (91 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda 323 weights approximately 190 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Mazda 323 (216 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Maxi. (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Maxi | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | Maxi | 323 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2460 mm |
