1973 Austin Allegro vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1973 Austin Allegro is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Austin Allegro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Austin Allegro (58 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Austin Allegro should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Austin Allegro weights approximately 80 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 Austin Allegro (93 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Austin Allegro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Allegro | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Allegro | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 42 L |
