1978 Austin Allegro vs. 1997 BMW 850
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1978 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 1130 kg more than 1978 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Allegro. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1978 Austin Allegro has manual transmission. 1978 Austin Allegro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Allegro | 1997 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 5379 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2690 mm |
