1963 Austin Princess vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Austin Princess (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin Princess weights approximately 1380 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1963 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1963 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin Princess | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Princess | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 34 L |
