1960 Austin Princess vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Austin Princess (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Austin Princess weights approximately 785 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New 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, 1960 Austin Princess (251 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (170 Nm). This means 1960 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin Princess | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Princess | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
