1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1983 Austin Maestro is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 86 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Cortina weights approximately 126 kg more than 1983 Austin Maestro.
Because 1978 Ford Cortina 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 1978 Ford Cortina. 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, 1978 Ford Cortina (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Maestro. 1983 Austin Maestro has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Cortina 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 | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Maestro | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
