1958 Austin Princess vs. 2008 BMW X3
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 50 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, 2008 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1958 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin Princess weights approximately 415 kg more than 2008 BMW X3.
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, 2008 BMW X3 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin Princess. 2008 BMW X3 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. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin Princess | 2008 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | X3 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2800 mm |
