1985 Austin Maestro vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Austin Maestro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Austin Maestro would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1985 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1985 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 792 kg more than 1985 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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 1988 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Austin Maestro | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Maestro | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 918 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2880 mm |
