1956 Austin Princess vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 56 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1956 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin Princess weights approximately 574 kg more than 2012 BMW Z4.
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, 2012 BMW Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin Princess. 2012 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1956 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1956 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin Princess | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2184 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2497 mm |
