1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1959 Skoda 440
To start off, 1980 Austin Mini Metro is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Skoda 440. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Skoda 440 would be higher. At 1,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Skoda 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Austin Mini Metro (45 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1959 Skoda 440. (44 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Austin Mini Metro should accelerate faster than 1959 Skoda 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Skoda 440 weights approximately 183 kg more than 1980 Austin Mini Metro.
Because 1959 Skoda 440 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 1959 Skoda 440. 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, 1959 Skoda 440 (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (73 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1959 Skoda 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Mini Metro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Mini Metro | 1959 Skoda 440 | |
| Make | Austin | Skoda |
| Model | Mini Metro | 440 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 747 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
