1974 Austin Allegro vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1974 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 815 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin Allegro | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Allegro | 300 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 92.4 mm |
| 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 | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 65 L |
