1981 Austin Allegro vs. 2005 Jensen SV-8
To start off, 2005 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 24 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1981 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Jensen SV-8 weights approximately 500 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 2005 Jensen SV-8 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 2005 Jensen SV-8. 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, 2005 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Allegro. (70 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Allegro | 2005 Jensen SV-8 | |
| Make | Austin | Jensen |
| Model | Allegro | SV-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
