1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1980 Austin Mini Metro is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Austin Mini Metro (62 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Austin Mini Metro should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 61 kg more than 1980 Austin Mini Metro.
Because 1978 Triumph Spitfire 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 1978 Triumph Spitfire. 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, 1978 Triumph Spitfire (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (97 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1978 Triumph Spitfire 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 | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Austin | Triumph |
| Model | Mini Metro | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1257 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 754 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 33 L |
