1988 Austin Maestro vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 16 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1988 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Austin Maestro weights approximately 445 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 Caterham 7 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 2004 Caterham 7. 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | Maestro | 7 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2230 mm |
