1985 Austin Maestro vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 28 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 6,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 509 more horse power than 1985 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1985 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 746 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 547 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Austin Maestro | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maestro | SLS |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 918 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1261 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
