1954 Austin Princess vs. 1989 BMW Z1
To start off, 1989 BMW Z1 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1954 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin Princess weights approximately 930 kg more than 1989 BMW Z1.
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, 1954 Austin Princess (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW Z1. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1954 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin Princess | 1989 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | Z1 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2450 mm |
