1963 Austin Princess vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 33 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1963 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin Princess weights approximately 480 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera.
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, 1996 Buick Riviera, 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Austin Princess. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1963 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1963 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin Princess | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | Princess | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 75 L |
