1988 Austin Maestro vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 21 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 294 more horse power than 1988 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 815 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 2009 BMW 550 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 2009 BMW 550. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 387 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Maestro | 550 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
