1961 Austin Princess vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 51 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, 2012 BMW 118 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1961 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin Princess weights approximately 840 kg more than 2012 BMW 118.
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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 118. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1961 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Princess | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | 118 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 51 L |
