1980 Austin Allegro vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 28 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1980 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 675 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 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Allegro | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | 523 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 82 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
