1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 Austin Maestro is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Austin Maestro (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Austin Maestro weights approximately 179 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1983 Austin Maestro (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (102 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1983 Austin Maestro has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Austin Maestro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Maestro | Escort |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.6 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
