2003 Alpina B7 vs. 1981 Austin Maxi
To start off, 2003 Alpina B7 is newer by 22 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 4,399 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B7 (492 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 401 more horse power than 1981 Austin Maxi. (91 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B7 weights approximately 1005 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 2003 Alpina B7 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 2003 Alpina B7. 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, 2003 Alpina B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 559 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Maxi. (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Maxi. 2003 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1981 Austin Maxi has manual transmission. 1981 Austin Maxi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B7 | 1981 Austin Maxi | |
| Make | Alpina | Austin |
| Model | B7 | Maxi |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4399 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 295 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 40 L |
