1979 Austin Allegro vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1979 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 735 kg more than 1979 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 387 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Allegro. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1979 Austin Allegro has manual transmission. 1979 Austin Allegro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Allegro | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | Allegro | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 76 L |
