1981 Austin Allegro vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 286 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Allegro. (70 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Allegro | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Allegro | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
