1959 Austin Princess vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 53 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1959 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin Princess weights approximately 290 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin Princess. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin Princess | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Austin | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Princess | CLS |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2875 mm |
