1962 Austin Princess vs. 2008 BMW 118
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 46 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, 2008 BMW 118 (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1962 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Austin Princess weights approximately 920 kg more than 2008 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, 1962 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1962 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118. 2008 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1962 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1962 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin Princess | 2008 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | 118 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2008 |
| 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 | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 50 L |
