1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1990 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Firebird 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (62 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro.
Because 1990 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird. 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 Pontiac Firebird (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (97 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1990 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | Mini Metro | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1257 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.7 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 76 L |
