1978 Austin Allegro vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 29 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1978 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 416 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Austin Allegro | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Allegro | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
