1980 Austin Allegro vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 8 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 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1980 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 385 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 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Allegro | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | M3 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2303 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
