1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1996 Toyota Lexcen
To start off, 1996 Toyota Lexcen 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Lexcen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Lexcen (194 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (62 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Lexcen should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Lexcen weights approximately 631 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 Toyota Lexcen 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 Toyota Lexcen. 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 Toyota Lexcen (304 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (97 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Lexcen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. 1996 Toyota Lexcen 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 Toyota Lexcen will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Mini Metro | 1996 Toyota Lexcen | |
| Make | Austin | Toyota |
| Model | Mini Metro | Lexcen |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1257 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 754 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2740 mm |
