1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1979 Austin Allegro
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Austin Allegro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Austin Allegro would be higher. At 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1979 Austin Allegro. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1979 Austin Allegro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 445 kg more than 1979 Austin Allegro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ 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 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Austin Allegro. (74 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Austin Allegro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1979 Austin Allegro | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | SZ | Allegro |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 64.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 83.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
