1988 Austin Maestro vs. 2003 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2003 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 15 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Austin Maestro (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 2003 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 265 kg more than 1988 Austin Maestro.
Because 2003 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Austin Maestro. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Suzuki Samurai 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, 2003 Suzuki Samurai (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 2003 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Austin | Suzuki |
| Model | Maestro | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1700 mm |
