1958 Austin Princess vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (444 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1958 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin Princess weights approximately 862 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton.
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 Phaeton, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (551 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin Princess. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin Princess | 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Princess | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 3010 mm |
