1986 Austin Maestro vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Austin Maestro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Austin Maestro would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1986 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 895 kg more than 1986 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Austin Maestro. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1986 Austin Maestro has manual transmission. 1986 Austin Maestro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Austin Maestro | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maestro | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 80 L |
