1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Austin Maestro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Austin Maestro would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1983 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 545 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 1988 Nissan 300 ZX 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 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. 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, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | Maestro | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2530 mm |
