1964 Austin Princess vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 45 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, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1964 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin Princess weights approximately 745 kg more than 2009 BMW 318.
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, 1964 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1964 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Princess | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Princess | 318 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 63 L |
