1986 Austin Maestro vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 26 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1986 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1986 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 590 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 C. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Austin Maestro. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Austin Maestro | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maestro | C |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 66 L |
