1973 Austin Allegro vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 23 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1973 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 920 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 1996 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 1996 BMW 540. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Allegro. 1996 BMW 540 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. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Allegro | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | 540 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1097 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1735 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
