1981 Austin Allegro vs. 1987 BMW 320
To start off, 1987 BMW 320 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 320 (189 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1981 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 320 weights approximately 418 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 1987 BMW 320 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 1987 BMW 320. 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, 1987 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Allegro. (70 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Allegro | 1987 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | 320 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2580 mm |
