1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1961 Triumph Vitesse
To start off, 1980 Austin Mini Metro is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph Vitesse would be higher. At 1,594 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Triumph Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Triumph Vitesse (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (62 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Triumph Vitesse should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Triumph Vitesse weights approximately 126 kg more than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Triumph Vitesse 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 1961 Triumph Vitesse. 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, 1961 Triumph Vitesse (125 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (97 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1961 Triumph Vitesse 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 | 1961 Triumph Vitesse | |
| Make | Austin | Triumph |
| Model | Mini Metro | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1257 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.7 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 754 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 29 L |
