1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 16 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (45 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 988 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 1996 BMW 540 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 1996 BMW 540. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 367 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (73 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. 1996 BMW 540 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. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Austin Mini Metro | 1996 BMW 540 | |
Make | Austin | BMW |
Model | Mini Metro | 540 |
Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 998 cc | 4398 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 282 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 73 Nm | 440 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 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 | 747 kg | 1735 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2840 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |