1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Austin Mini Metro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Austin Mini Metro would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (62 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 366 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 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (97 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Mini Metro | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1257 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| 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 | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 67 L |
