1956 Austin Princess vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1956 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin Princess weights approximately 989 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 Austin Princess. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1956 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin Princess | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Princess | Golf |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2184 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2490 mm |
