1973 Austin Allegro vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 32 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1973 Austin Allegro. (58 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 536 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (225 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Allegro. (93 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin Allegro | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Allegro | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
