Driving A 43-Horsepower Geo Metro Convertible From New York To Los Angeles Looks Really Miserable - Jalopnik

A tiny car, long trip

The Geo Metro Convertible began as an unusual take on an already unconventional hatchback. The Metro had a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, a curb weight of 1,600 pounds and a starting price of about $7,000. It was a General Motors rebadge of the Suzuki Swift.

Less power than expected

The convertible was said to have 55 horsepower and 58 pound-feet of torque when new. Kohrmann had it tested on a dynamometer before the trip; after a 50-second pull, it registered 43 horsepower and 53 pound-feet of torque.

Kohrmann had previously made long drives in a Touareg V10 diesel and an Audi S8, covering 10,050 miles to the Arctic Ocean and 6,500 miles, respectively. The Metro’s modest power meant he often kept the accelerator fully pressed.

Old tires and city traffic

Before setting off, Kohrmann discovered that the tires, though they looked fine, were extremely old. He found replacement 155/80R13 tires at the last minute and began the journey.

Getting into and out of Manhattan brought heavy traffic, but the drive picked up pace after he left New York. The video includes road footage, breakdowns, repairs and scenery.

Record attempt falls short

Kohrmann initially planned to beat a sub-1.0-liter engine Cannonball Run record: 48 hours, 9 minutes and 53 seconds, set in 1964 by a Sunbeam Imp. A series of setbacks led him to abandon that goal.

He still finished the trip in 49 hours, 11 minutes and 18 seconds. The 2,838-mile route included a 10,000-foot climb, breakdowns and traffic jams.