1985 Austin Maestro vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Austin Maestro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Austin Maestro would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1985 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 258 kg more than 1985 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Austin Maestro | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Maestro | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 918 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
