1959 Austin Princess vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 44 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1959 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin Princess weights approximately 670 kg more than 2003 Opel Vectra.
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, 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 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 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 1959 Austin Princess.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin Princess | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Princess | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2840 mm |
