2008 Audi A3 vs. 1958 Austin Princess
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1958 Austin Princess. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin Princess. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin Princess weights approximately 790 kg more than 2008 Audi A3.
Because 1958 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 1958 Austin Princess. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3, 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, 1958 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 1958 Austin Princess | |
| Make | Audi | Austin |
| Model | A3 | Princess |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3360 mm |
