1972 Austin Allegro vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1972 Austin Allegro. (57 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1972 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin Allegro. (93 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin Allegro | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Allegro | 280 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 65 L |
