1980 Austin Maxi vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 5 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 1,748 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (72 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Austin Maxi weights approximately 441 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Because 1985 Caterham 1700 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 1985 Caterham 1700. 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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (132 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | Maxi | 1700 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2240 mm |
