1981 Austin Maxi vs. 1992 BMW 540
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 11 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 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1981 Austin Maxi. (91 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 665 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 1992 BMW 540 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 1992 BMW 540. 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Maxi. (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Maxi | 1992 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Maxi | 540 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 3980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
