1951 Austin Princess vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 56 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1951 Austin Princess. (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin Princess weights approximately 536 kg more than 2007 Volvo S40.
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, 2007 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin Princess. (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin Princess.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin Princess | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | Princess | S40 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3990 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 62 L |
