1988 Austin Maestro vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 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 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1988 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 613 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Maestro. 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | Maestro | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 54 L |
