1988 Austin Maestro vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Austin Maestro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Austin Maestro would be higher. At 5,789 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1988 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1045 kg more than 1988 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Maestro. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1988 Austin Maestro has manual transmission. 1988 Austin Maestro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maestro | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 5789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 87 mm |
| 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 | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 88 L |
