1988 Austin Maestro vs. 1982 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1988 Austin Maestro is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercury Cougar (91 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 400 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 1982 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 1982 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, 1982 Mercury Cougar (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 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 | 1982 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | Maestro | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2690 mm |
