1981 Austin Allegro vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 28 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 5,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1981 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 725 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 2009 BMW 525 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 2009 BMW 525. 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, 2009 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Allegro. (70 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Allegro. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1981 Austin Allegro has manual transmission. 1981 Austin Allegro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Austin Allegro | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Allegro | 525 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 5495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2890 mm |
