1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1998 BMW 320
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 15 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 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1983 Austin Maestro. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 430 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 1998 BMW 320 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 1998 BMW 320. 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, 1998 BMW 320 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (178 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 1998 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Maestro | 320 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
