1980 Austin Allegro vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1980 Austin Allegro is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1980 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 559 kg more than 1980 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 3 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 1972 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Allegro | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | 3 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |
