1979 Austin Allegro vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 23 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 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Austin Allegro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Austin Allegro (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Austin Allegro should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2002 Smart ForTwo 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 2002 Smart ForTwo. 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, 2002 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2002 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Allegro | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | Allegro | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 22 L |
