1959 Austin Princess vs. 2009 Alpina B3
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 50 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, 2009 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1959 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin Princess weights approximately 560 kg more than 2009 Alpina B3.
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, 2009 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin Princess. 2009 Alpina B3 has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1959 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin Princess | 2009 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Austin | Alpina |
| Model | Princess | B3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2730 mm |
