1957 Austin Princess vs. 1991 BMW M12
To start off, 1991 BMW M12 is newer by 34 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 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 BMW M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW M12 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1957 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW M12 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin Princess.
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, 1991 BMW M12 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1991 BMW M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin Princess.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin Princess | 1991 BMW M12 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | M12 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2610 mm |
