1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1997 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1997 Nissan Laurel is newer by 14 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 2,824 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Austin Maestro (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 410 kg more than 1983 Austin Maestro.
Because 1997 Nissan Laurel 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 1997 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1997 Nissan Laurel (182 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (178 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Maestro. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1983 Austin Maestro has manual transmission. 1983 Austin Maestro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 1997 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | Maestro | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 2824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
