1986 Austin Maestro vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Austin Maestro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 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 (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1986 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1986 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 691 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 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 (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 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 1986 Austin Maestro. 1988 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1986 Austin Maestro has manual transmission. 1986 Austin Maestro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Austin Maestro | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Maestro | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1606 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 |
