1974 Austin Allegro vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 1974 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1235 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 496 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Allegro. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1974 Austin Allegro has manual transmission. 1974 Austin Allegro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin Allegro | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Allegro | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
