1988 Austin Maestro vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 17 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1988 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 625 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Maestro | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 62 L |
