1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1970 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1983 Austin Maestro is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1983 Austin Maestro. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 630 kg more than 1983 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Mercury Cougar 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 1970 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1970 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (178 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 1970 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | Maestro | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2860 mm |
