1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Austin Allegro
To start off, 1978 Austin Allegro is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Austin Allegro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Austin Allegro (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Austin Allegro should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Austin Allegro weights approximately 55 kg more than 1959 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Austin A 40 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 1959 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Austin Allegro, 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, 1978 Austin Allegro (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Austin Allegro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 40 | 1978 Austin Allegro | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A 40 | Allegro |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 64.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 48 L |
