1983 Austin Maestro vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 17 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 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1983 Austin Maestro. (67 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Austin Maestro weights approximately 435 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 Caterham 7 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 2000 Caterham 7. 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | Maestro | 7 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 58 mm |
| Top Speed | 154 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2260 mm |
