1951 Austin A vs. 1983 Austin Maestro
To start off, 1983 Austin Maestro is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Austin Maestro (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Austin Maestro weights approximately 275 kg more than 1951 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A 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 1951 Austin A. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Austin Maestro, 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, 1983 Austin Maestro (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1983 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 1983 Austin Maestro | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A | Maestro |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 48 L |
