1961 Austin Princess vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 48 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1961 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin Princess weights approximately 795 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Princess. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Princess.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Princess | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | M3 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 63 L |
