2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1963 Austin Princess
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1963 Austin Princess. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1963 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Austin Princess weights approximately 595 kg more than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1963 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 1963 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1963 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1963 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1963 Austin Princess | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Austin |
| Model | 156 | Princess |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 3360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
