1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 32 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (62 HP @ 5650 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 916 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 2012 BMW 520 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 2012 BMW 520. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. (97 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Mini Metro. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Mini Metro | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Mini Metro | 520 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1257 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.7 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 754 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
