1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 10 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (62 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 766 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (97 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Mini Metro | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Mini Metro | 300 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1257 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.7 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 754 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2940 mm |
