1980 Austin Allegro vs. 1996 BMW 525
To start off, 1996 BMW 525 is newer by 16 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1980 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 695 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 1996 BMW 525 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 1996 BMW 525. 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, 1996 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Allegro | 1996 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | 525 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 75 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 67 L |
