1988 Austin Maestro vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 18 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 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Austin Maestro (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Austin Maestro weights approximately 30 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 2006 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1988 Austin Maestro (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 2006 Smart ForTwo 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. 2006 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | Maestro | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 33 L |
