1957 Austin Princess vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 51 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1957 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin Princess weights approximately 830 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1957 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle 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. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin Princess | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Princess | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2520 mm |
