1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite
To start off, 1980 Austin Mini Metro is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (45 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Austin Mini Metro weights approximately 33 kg more than 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Because 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite 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 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite. 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, 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (73 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite 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 | 1967 Austin-Healey Sprite | |
| Make | Austin | Austin-Healey |
| Model | Mini Metro | Sprite |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 747 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 3490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 27 L |
