1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1968 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1980 Austin Mini Metro is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 260 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (45 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1153 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 1968 Buick Riviera 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 1968 Buick Riviera. 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 572 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (73 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 Austin Mini Metro has manual transmission. 1980 Austin Mini Metro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Mini Metro | 1968 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | Mini Metro | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 7050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 645 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 747 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 75 L |
