1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 Austin Mini Metro
To start off, 1980 Austin Mini Metro is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,257 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Austin Mini Metro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Austin Mini Metro (62 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Austin Mini Metro should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin A 40 weights approximately 216 kg more than 1980 Austin Mini Metro.
Because 1949 Austin A 40 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 1949 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Austin Mini Metro, 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, 1980 Austin Mini Metro (97 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1980 Austin Mini Metro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 1980 Austin Mini Metro | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A 40 | Mini Metro |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1257 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 97 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 70.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 754 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 31 L |
