1956 Austin Princess vs. 1986 BMW 325
To start off, 1986 BMW 325 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 325 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1956 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin Princess weights approximately 929 kg more than 1986 BMW 325.
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, 1956 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 325. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin Princess | 1986 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | 325 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2184 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2630 mm |
