1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1983 Austin Maestro
To start off, 1983 Austin Maestro is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Austin Maestro (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (23 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Austin Maestro weights approximately 447 kg more than 1957 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Abarth 500 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 1957 Abarth 500. 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 (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (33 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1983 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1983 Austin Maestro | |
| Make | Abarth | Austin |
| Model | 500 | Maestro |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 33 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 70.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1260 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 34 L |
