1988 Austin Maestro vs. 1972 Fiat 500
To start off, 1988 Austin Maestro is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Austin Maestro (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Austin Maestro weights approximately 405 kg more than 1972 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Fiat 500 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 1972 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Austin Maestro (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 1972 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Maestro | 500 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 22 L |
