1973 Austin Allegro vs. 1958 BMW 501
To start off, 1973 Austin Allegro is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1973 Austin Allegro. (58 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1973 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 BMW 501 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 1958 BMW 501. 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Allegro. (93 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Allegro | 1958 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | 501 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2840 mm |
