1964 Austin Princess vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1964 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin Princess weights approximately 844 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin Princess. 2004 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Princess | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Princess | Golf |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
