1972 Austin Allegro vs. 1999 BMW 540
To start off, 1999 BMW 540 is newer by 27 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1972 Austin Allegro. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 901 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 1999 BMW 540 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 1999 BMW 540. 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin Allegro. (104 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin Allegro | 1999 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | 540 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1771 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2840 mm |
