1981 Austin Allegro vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 1981 Austin Allegro is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1981 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 870 kg more than 1981 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 BMW 520 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 1978 BMW 520. 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Allegro. (70 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Allegro | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | 520 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2770 mm |
