1983 Austin Maestro vs. 1987 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Austin Maestro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Austin Maestro would be higher. At 2,825 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1983 Austin Maestro. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Maestro.
Because 1987 Pontiac Firebird 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 1987 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1987 Pontiac Firebird (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Maestro. (178 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1987 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Maestro | 1987 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | Maestro | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 2825 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
