1990 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1980 Austin Maxi
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 10 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 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 280 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 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ 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 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ. 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (105 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1980 Austin Maxi | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | SZ | Maxi |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1485 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
