1983 Austin Maestro vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 451 more horse power than 1983 Austin Maestro. (67 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1064 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 530 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Maestro. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maestro | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 154 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2560 mm |
