1988 Austin Maestro vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1988 Austin Maestro is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (213 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1988 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1190 kg more than 1988 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | Maestro | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 213 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2910 mm |
