1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1972 Austin Allegro
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1972 Austin Allegro. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 755 kg more than 1972 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin Allegro. (104 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 1972 Austin Allegro | |
| Make | Pontiac | Austin |
| Model | Firebird | Allegro |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1485 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2450 mm |
