1951 Austin Princess vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 62 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1951 Austin Princess. (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin Princess weights approximately 575 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1951 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin Princess | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Princess | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3990 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
