1951 Austin Princess vs. 2006 BMW 550
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 55 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 4,801 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 1951 Austin Princess. (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin Princess.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin Princess. (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin Princess.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin Princess | 2006 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | 550 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3990 cc | 4801 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
