1973 Austin Allegro vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1981 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 8 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1973 Austin Allegro. (48 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 465 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 1981 Reliant Scimitar 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 1981 Reliant Scimitar. 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Allegro. (81 Nm @ 2450 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Allegro. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1973 Austin Allegro has manual transmission. 1973 Austin Allegro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Allegro | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | Allegro | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2450 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
