1961 Austin Princess vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 42 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, 2003 Opel Vectra (152 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1961 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin Princess weights approximately 596 kg more than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Because 1961 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 1961 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra, 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, 1961 Austin Princess (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (220 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1961 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra. 2003 Opel Vectra has automatic transmission and 1961 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1961 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Princess | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | Princess | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 60 L |
