1981 Austin Allegro vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige 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 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 352 more horse power than 1981 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Exige weights approximately 50 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 Lotus Exige 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 Lotus Exige. 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 Lotus Exige (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Allegro. (70 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Allegro | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Allegro | Exige |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
