1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1968 Fairthorpe TX-GT
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 Fairthorpe TX-GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fairthorpe TX-GT would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Fairthorpe TX-GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Fairthorpe TX-GT (104 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (62 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Fairthorpe TX-GT should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Fairthorpe TX-GT weights approximately 62 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 Fairthorpe TX-GT 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 Fairthorpe TX-GT. 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 Fairthorpe TX-GT (159 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (97 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1968 Fairthorpe TX-GT 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 | 1968 Fairthorpe TX-GT | |
| Make | Austin | Fairthorpe |
| Model | Mini Metro | TX-GT |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1257 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.7 mm | 74.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 754 kg | 816 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 44 L |
