1984 Austin Maestro vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Austin Maestro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Austin Maestro would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1984 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1984 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 15 kg more than 1984 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Lotus Exige 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Austin Maestro | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Maestro | Exige |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
