1973 Austin Allegro vs. 1979 Fiat 126
To start off, 1979 Fiat 126 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Austin Allegro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Austin Allegro (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Austin Allegro should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Austin Allegro weights approximately 253 kg more than 1979 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Fiat 126 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 1979 Fiat 126. 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 (137 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Austin Allegro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Allegro | 1979 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Allegro | 126 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.8 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 1850 mm |
