1951 Austin Princess vs. 2003 Volvo S40
To start off, 2003 Volvo S40 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Austin Princess (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Volvo S40. (123 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin Princess weights approximately 504 kg more than 2003 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin Princess 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 1951 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volvo S40, 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, 1951 Austin Princess (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo S40. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1951 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin Princess | 2003 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | Princess | S40 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3990 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 62 L |
