1964 Austin Princess vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 37 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 471 more horse power than 1964 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin Princess weights approximately 980 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin Princess.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Princess | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Princess | W12 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2520 mm |
