1981 Austin Allegro vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 15 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1981 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 435 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 1996 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2. 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, 1996 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Allegro. (70 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Allegro | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Austin | Toyota |
| Model | Allegro | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
