1987 Austin Maestro vs. 1978 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 1987 Austin Maestro is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 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 40 more horse power than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Austin Maestro weights approximately 175 kg more than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Austin Maestro. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 will offer significantly more control. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Austin Maestro | 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | Austin | Suzuki |
| Model | Maestro | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 539 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 1940 mm |
