1954 Austin Princess vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 42 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, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1954 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin Princess weights approximately 548 kg more than 1996 BMW M3.
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, 1996 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin Princess. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin Princess.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin Princess | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | M3 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2720 mm |
