1957 Austin Princess vs. 1982 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1982 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Austin Princess (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. (53 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin Princess weights approximately 1225 kg more than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Austin Princess is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Vauxhall Astra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1957 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. (96 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1957 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Vauxhall Astra. 1982 Vauxhall Astra has automatic transmission and 1957 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1957 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Vauxhall Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin Princess | 1982 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Vauxhall |
| Model | Princess | Astra |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2520 mm |
