1979 Austin Allegro vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 27 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, 2006 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1979 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart Roadster weights approximately 70 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 2006 Smart Roadster 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 2006 Smart Roadster. 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, 2006 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2006 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Allegro. 2006 Smart Roadster 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. 2006 Smart Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Allegro | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | Allegro | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 35 L |
