1983 Austin Allegro vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1983 Austin Allegro. (43 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Elise weights approximately 126 kg more than 1983 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Lotus Elise 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Austin Allegro. (70 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Allegro | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Allegro | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2299 mm |
