1974 Austin Allegro vs. 1958 Riley 4
To start off, 1974 Austin Allegro is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Riley 4 (63 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1974 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Riley 4 should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Riley 4 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1974 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Riley 4 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 Riley 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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 Riley 4 (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1958 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin Allegro | 1958 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Austin | Riley |
| Model | Allegro | 4 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2530 mm |
