1980 Austin Allegro vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (130 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1980 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 525 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Allegro | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Allegro | 230 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
