1951 Allard J1 vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 1977 BMW 520 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,917 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1951 Allard J1. (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1951 Allard J1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 164 kg more than 1951 Allard J1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1951 Allard J1 (305 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1951 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Allard J1 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Allard | BMW |
| Model | J1 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3917 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 70 L |
