1961 Austin Princess vs. 1996 BMW 316
To start off, 1996 BMW 316 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin Princess (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin Princess weights approximately 870 kg more than 1996 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1961 Austin Princess (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1961 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Princess | 1996 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | 316 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 65 L |
