1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1974 Buick GS
To start off, 1980 Austin Mini Metro is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (62 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick GS weights approximately 876 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 1974 Buick GS 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 1974 Buick GS. 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, 1974 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (97 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1974 Buick GS 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 | 1974 Buick GS | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | Mini Metro | GS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1257 cc | 5724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 394 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 754 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
