1987 Austin Maestro vs. 1995 Ford Thunderbird

To start off, 1995 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Austin Maestro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Austin Maestro would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1987 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1987 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 689 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 1995 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 1995 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Austin Maestro. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1987 Austin Maestro has manual transmission. 1987 Austin Maestro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1987 Austin Maestro 1995 Ford Thunderbird
Make Austin Ford
Model Maestro Thunderbird
Year Released 1987 1995
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 230 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 4400 RPM
Torque 102 Nm 447 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 2500 RPM
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 1604 kg
Vehicle Length 4060 mm 5090 mm
Vehicle Width 1690 mm 1850 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1350 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2950 mm