1980 Austin Allegro vs. 1995 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1995 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 15 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1980 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Austin Allegro weights approximately 261 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1995 Caterham Super 7 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 1995 Caterham Super 7. 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, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Allegro | 1995 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | Allegro | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1100 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 30 L |
