1962 Austin Princess vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Austin Princess (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Austin Princess weights approximately 1370 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1962 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1962 Austin Princess | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | Princess | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2410 mm |