1958 Austin Princess vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 48 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1958 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin Princess weights approximately 710 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1958 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin Princess | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Princess | Passat |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2720 mm |
