1957 Austin Princess vs. 1996 BMW 523
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 39 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, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1957 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin Princess weights approximately 635 kg more than 1996 BMW 523.
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, 1957 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1957 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin Princess | 1996 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | 523 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2840 mm |
