1987 Austin Maestro vs. 1998 Lexus GS
To start off, 1998 Lexus GS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Austin Maestro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Austin Maestro would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lexus GS (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1987 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1987 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lexus GS weights approximately 747 kg more than 1987 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Lexus GS 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 Lexus GS. 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, 1998 Lexus GS (301 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Austin Maestro. 1998 Lexus GS has automatic transmission and 1987 Austin Maestro has manual transmission. 1987 Austin Maestro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Austin Maestro | 1998 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Austin | Lexus |
| Model | Maestro | GS |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 75 L |
