1981 Austin Allegro vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1981 Austin Allegro is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,216 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Austin Allegro weights approximately 220 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Because 1959 Lotus Elite 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1959 Lotus Elite (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Allegro. (70 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Allegro | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Allegro | Elite |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2240 mm |
