1951 Austin Princess vs. 2005 Volkswagen Multivan
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Multivan is newer by 54 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, 2005 Volkswagen Multivan (173 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1951 Austin Princess. (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Multivan should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Multivan weights approximately 319 kg more than 1951 Austin Princess. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Multivan, 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 Volkswagen Multivan (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin Princess. (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Multivan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin Princess.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin Princess | 2005 Volkswagen Multivan | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Princess | Multivan |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3990 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 2274 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 80 L |
