1979 Austin Allegro vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 33 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1979 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 625 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 2012 BMW 120 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 2012 BMW 120. 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, 2012 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Austin Allegro | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | 120 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 51 L |
