1958 Austin Princess vs. 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II
To start off, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1958 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin Princess weights approximately 1022 kg more than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II.
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, 1958 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin Princess | 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | |
| Make | Austin | Austin-Healey |
| Model | Princess | 3000 Mk II |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2912 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1158 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2340 mm |
