1964 Austin Princess vs. 1987 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1987 Buick Riviera is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Riviera (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1964 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin Princess weights approximately 679 kg more than 1987 Buick Riviera.
Because 1964 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 1964 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Buick Riviera (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin Princess. 1987 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1964 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1964 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Princess | 1987 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | Princess | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2750 mm |
