1959 Austin Princess vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1961 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Austin Princess (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin Princess weights approximately 1420 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1959 Austin Princess (251 Nm) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (77 Nm). This means 1959 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Austin Princess | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | Princess | Beetle |
Year Released | 1959 | 1961 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1131 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 24 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 77 Nm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2410 mm |