1961 Austin Princess vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1961 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin Princess weights approximately 800 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin Princess. (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin Princess.
Compare all specifications:
1961 Austin Princess | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | Princess | Beetle |
Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 252 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 55 L |