1964 Austin Princess vs. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is newer by 48 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, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 473 more horse power than 1964 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin Princess weights approximately 746 kg more than 2012 McLaren MP4-12C.
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, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin Princess. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin Princess. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C 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. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Princess | 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | |
| Make | Austin | McLaren |
| Model | Princess | MP4-12C |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 592 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1199 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2670 mm |
