1988 Austin Maestro vs. 2005 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2005 Toyota MR2 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 1,792 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota MR2 (150 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1988 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 150 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 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2. 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 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 2005 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Austin | Toyota |
| Model | Maestro | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 48 L |
