1961 Austin Princess vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1961 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin Princess weights approximately 130 kg more than 2012 BMW 550.
Because 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Austin Princess. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Princess. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Princess. 2012 BMW 550 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. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1961 Austin Princess | 2012 BMW 550 | |
Make | Austin | BMW |
Model | Princess | 550 |
Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3993 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 252 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |