1952 Austin Princess vs. 1976 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1976 Lancia Beta is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Austin Princess (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1952 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin Princess weights approximately 1180 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1952 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 1952 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta, 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, 1952 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1952 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin Princess | 1976 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | Princess | Beta |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2360 mm |
