1990 Austin Maestro vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Austin Maestro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Austin Maestro would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1990 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1990 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 475 kg more than 1990 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Austin Maestro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Austin Maestro | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Maestro | Contour |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1273 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
