1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton 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 3,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton (355 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (45 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 853 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 Vauxhall Carlton 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 Vauxhall Carlton. 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 Vauxhall Carlton (531 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 458 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (73 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Vauxhall Carlton 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 | 1996 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Austin | Vauxhall |
| Model | Mini Metro | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 3638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 747 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2740 mm |
