1988 Austin Maestro vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 24 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1988 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 385 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | Maestro | 3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
