1958 Austin Princess vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 45 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1958 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin Princess weights approximately 575 kg more than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Because 1958 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 1958 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra, 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin Princess. 2003 Opel Vectra has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1958 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin Princess | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Princess | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2740 mm |
