1983 Austin Maestro vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 18 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Austin Maestro (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Austin Maestro weights approximately 169 kg more than 2001 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Smart ForTwo 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 2001 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1983 Austin Maestro (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1983 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo. 1983 Austin Maestro has automatic transmission and 2001 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2001 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Austin Maestro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | Maestro | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 1820 mm |
