1987 Austin Maestro vs. 1968 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1987 Austin Maestro is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Cougar (194 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1987 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1987 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 685 kg more than 1987 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1968 Mercury Cougar (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Austin Maestro | 1968 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | Maestro | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2830 mm |
