1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1983 Austin Maestro is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercury Cougar (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1983 Austin Maestro. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 835 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 1979 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 1979 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (178 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 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 | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | Maestro | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2910 mm |
