1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1968 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1983 Austin Maestro is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1983 Austin Maestro. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 916 kg more than 1983 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Buick Riviera 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 1968 Buick Riviera. 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 522 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 1968 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | Maestro | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 7050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 645 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 106.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.6 mm | 99.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3030 mm |
