Oooh, now you're talking. I fly a Super Cub out of Eggesford where there are more Austers based than anywhere else in the UK. I'd better be careful!
The Super Cub uses a Lycoming or a Continental, so less maintenance hungry and more reliable than a Gipsy Major, or especially a Cirrus. Also uses a fair bit less fuel / oil and gives less vibration / noise. Parts are cheaper and more available too.
Landing characteristics of the cub family are much more benign than Austers. Many people like the challenge Austers present, but they do present more of a challenge.
Cubs are tandem, Austers are side by side and will take three or even four people.
You can fly a cub with the door open.
Cubs are American, Austers are British.
Nothing in the world will beat a Super Cub for short field performance.
Cubs are more expensive than Austers. Some say their price is absurdly high, but the market dictates what the market dictates....
The one exception to most of the above characteristics is the Auster Mark IX, which is unlike any other Auster, but there are very few of them about, so I doubt it will be an issue for you.
Anyway, whichever you choose tailwheel is tailwheel -- much more fun than nosewheel. You'll never want to go back. Do it!
QDM