1990 Austin Maestro vs. 1973 Fiat 126
To start off, 1990 Austin Maestro is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,273 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Austin Maestro (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Austin Maestro weights approximately 335 kg more than 1973 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Fiat 126 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 1973 Fiat 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Austin Maestro (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Austin Maestro | 1973 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Maestro | 126 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1273 cc | 594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 20 L |
