1959 Austin Princess vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic (198 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1959 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin Princess weights approximately 842 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic.
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, 2009 Honda Civic, 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 @ 2000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (194 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1959 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin Princess | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | Princess | Civic |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2630 mm |
