1978 BMW M1 vs. 1973 Austin Allegro
To start off, 1978 BMW M1 is newer by 5 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1973 Austin Allegro. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW M1 weights approximately 410 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 1978 BMW M1 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 1978 BMW M1. 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin Allegro. (132 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin Allegro. 1973 Austin Allegro has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW M1 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:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 1973 Austin Allegro | |
| Make | BMW | Austin |
| Model | M1 | Allegro |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1748 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 47 L |
