1974 BMW 3 vs. 1973 Austin Allegro
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 1 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1973 Austin Allegro. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 543 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 1974 BMW 3 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 1974 BMW 3. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Allegro. (132 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Allegro. 1973 Austin Allegro has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Austin Allegro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1973 Austin Allegro | |
| Make | BMW | Austin |
| Model | 3 | Allegro |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1748 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2450 mm |
