1987 Austin Maestro vs. 1968 Fiat 850
To start off, 1987 Austin Maestro is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Austin Maestro (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 850. (41 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Austin Maestro weights approximately 189 kg more than 1968 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 850 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 1968 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Austin Maestro (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (60 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1987 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Austin Maestro | 1968 Fiat 850 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Maestro | 850 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 841 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 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 | 915 kg | 726 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 30 L |
