1963 Austin Princess vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 49 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1963 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin Princess weights approximately 586 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Austin Princess.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Austin Princess | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Princess | Passat |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
