1989 Austin Maestro vs. 1985 Donkervoort S8
To start off, 1989 Austin Maestro is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Donkervoort S8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Donkervoort S8 would be higher. At 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Donkervoort S8 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1989 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Donkervoort S8 should accelerate faster than 1989 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Austin Maestro weights approximately 240 kg more than 1985 Donkervoort S8.
Because 1985 Donkervoort S8 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 1985 Donkervoort S8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1985 Donkervoort S8 (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Donkervoort S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Austin Maestro | 1985 Donkervoort S8 | |
| Make | Austin | Donkervoort |
| Model | Maestro | S8 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
