Austin Princess: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Austin Princess version to choose depends chiefly on whether you prioritize stronger performance, a lighter documented kerb weight, or a broader engine range. The first-generation Sedan, produced from September 1975 to July 1978, offers 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, 2.2 MT, and 2.2 AT versions.
The Austin Princess version to choose depends chiefly on whether you prioritize stronger performance, a lighter documented kerb weight, or a broader engine range. The first-generation Sedan, produced from September 1975 to July 1978, offers 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, 2.2 MT, and 2.2 AT versions. The second-generation Sedan, produced from July 1978 to November 1981, expands the choice to 1.7 MT, 1.7 AT, 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.2 MT, and 2.2 AT. Across both generations, every listed engine is naturally aspirated, carbureted, front-mounted transversely, and paired with FWD. The strongest options are the second-generation 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT, each producing 112 hp from 2227 cc.
Austin Princess generations: what changed?
The first generation ran from September 1975 through July 1978 as a Sedan with four versions. Its engine selection consists of a 1798 cc Inline 4 rated at 82 hp and a 2227 cc Inline 6 rated at 110 hp. Each engine can be combined with either a 4-speed Manual or a 3-speed Automatic gearbox. Performance and weight figures are measured for every first-generation version, making this generation the easier one to compare comprehensively.
The second generation ran from July 1978 through November 1981, also as a Sedan, but offers six versions. It introduced a wider choice of displacements: a 1695 cc Inline 4 with 88 hp, a 1993 cc Inline 4 with 94 hp, and a 2227 cc Inline 6 with 112 hp. Every engine again has 4-speed Manual and 3-speed Automatic alternatives. Compared with the first-generation 2.2 versions, the later 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT gain 2 hp while retaining the same 2227 cc displacement. However, second-generation acceleration, maximum-speed, torque, and weight figures are not measured in the supplied data.
Austin Princess engine and specs
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.8 MT | 82 hp | 139 Nm | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation 1.8 AT | 82 hp | 139 Nm | 1798 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 2.2 MT | 110 hp | 164 Nm | 2227 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation 2.2 AT | 110 hp | 164 Nm | 2227 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 1.7 MT | 88 hp | not measured | 1695 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 1.7 AT | 88 hp | not measured | 1695 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 2.0 MT | 94 hp | not measured | 1993 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 2.0 AT | 94 hp | not measured | 1993 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 2.2 MT | 112 hp | not measured | 2227 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 2.2 AT | 112 hp | not measured | 2227 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | FWD |
The first-generation 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT provide 28 hp and 25 Nm more than the corresponding 1.8 versions. Their additional 429 cc therefore brings a substantial increase in output. Calculated from the supplied displacement and power figures, the first-generation 1.8 produces about 45.6 hp per litre, whereas the first-generation 2.2 produces about 49.4 hp per litre.
Among second-generation engines, the 1.7 has the highest calculated specific output at about 51.9 hp per litre. The 2.0 produces about 47.2 hp per litre, while the 2.2 delivers about 50.3 hp per litre. Specific output alone does not establish road performance, but it shows how much rated power each engine produces relative to its displacement.
The second-generation 2.0 occupies the middle of the range, yet its numerical advantage over the 1.7 is modest: it adds 6 hp while increasing displacement by 298 cc. Moving from the second-generation 2.0 to the 2.2 adds 18 hp for another 234 cc. Buyers choosing purely by the available engine figures therefore receive a larger power gain from the 2.0-to-2.2 step than from the 1.7-to-2.0 step.
Austin Princess performance and economy
The first-generation 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT both accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 16.5 seconds and reach 158 km/h. The first-generation 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT complete the same acceleration run in 13.8 seconds and reach 171 km/h. On the supplied figures, selecting the 2.2 reduces the 0–100 km/h time by 2.7 seconds and raises maximum speed by 13 km/h. No performance difference is measured between the Manual and Automatic versions of either first-generation engine.
For the second-generation 1.7 MT, 1.7 AT, 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.2 MT, and 2.2 AT, both 0–100 km/h acceleration and maximum speed are not measured. Their horsepower ratings can be compared, but they cannot support a factual acceleration or top-speed ranking.
City fuel consumption is not measured for any version. Highway fuel consumption is not measured for any version, and combined fuel consumption is also not measured for any version. Consequently, an Austin Princess mpg or economy recommendation cannot be made from these data. The larger engines must not automatically be described as consuming more fuel because no consumption measurements are supplied.
Austin Princess dimensions and weight
Exterior dimensions, including length, are not measured for either generation. Ground clearance, fuel-tank capacity, and wheel sizes are likewise not measured for every listed Austin Princess version.
Weight data are available only for the first generation. The 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT each have a kerb weight of 1160 kg and a gross weight of 1565 kg. The 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT each have a kerb weight of 1197 kg and a gross weight of 1605 kg. Choosing the first-generation 2.2 adds 37 kg of kerb weight and 40 kg of gross weight compared with the 1.8.
Using the supplied kerb weight and power, the first-generation 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT each carry about 14.15 kg per horsepower. The first-generation 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT improve that figure to about 10.88 kg per horsepower. The 2.2 is therefore heavier, but its additional 28 hp more than offsets the 37 kg increase in this simple power-to-weight comparison.
Kerb weight and gross weight are not measured for the second-generation 1.7 MT, 1.7 AT, 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.2 MT, and 2.2 AT. A cross-generation weight-per-horsepower comparison would therefore require figures absent from the data.
All versions use Independent, spring front and rear suspension, Disc front brakes, and Drum rear brakes. These specifications do not distinguish one engine or gearbox choice from another.
Which Austin Princess version should you buy?
For the strongest fully documented performance, choose the first-generation 2.2 MT or 2.2 AT. Both combine 110 hp and 164 Nm with a measured 13.8-second 0–100 km/h time and a 171 km/h maximum speed. Their 1197 kg kerb weight also allows a verified calculation of about 10.88 kg per horsepower. Select 2.2 MT for the 4-speed Manual or 2.2 AT for the 3-speed Automatic; the supplied acceleration, speed, power, torque, and weight figures are otherwise identical.
For the lowest measured kerb weight, choose the first-generation 1.8 MT or 1.8 AT. At 1160 kg, either is 37 kg lighter than a first-generation 2.2, although each gives up 28 hp, 25 Nm, 13 km/h of maximum speed, and 2.7 seconds in the 0–100 km/h run. Once again, the decision between 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT is principally a gearbox choice because their recorded engine, performance, and weight figures match.
For the highest horsepower rating in the catalogue, choose the second-generation 2.2 MT or 2.2 AT. Their 112 hp output is 2 hp above the first-generation 2.2 and 18 hp above the second-generation 2.0. The caveat is important: torque, acceleration, maximum speed, kerb weight, and gross weight are not measured, so their on-road advantage cannot be quantified beyond rated power.
For a second-generation Inline 4, the 1.7 MT and 1.7 AT offer the highest calculated power per litre, while the 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT add only 6 hp despite having 298 cc more displacement. If engine size and rated output are the deciding figures, the second-generation 1.7 is the more efficient use of displacement; if absolute power matters, the 2.0 remains ahead at 94 hp.
No version can be recommended for superior economy, dimensions, ground clearance, tank capacity, wheel size, reliability, or fewer problems because those measurements and assessments are not present. Likewise, no price comparison or claim about what extra money buys is possible without sale-price data. Based strictly on the recorded specifications, the first-generation 2.2 is the best-supported performance choice, the first-generation 1.8 is the lightest measured choice, and the second-generation 2.2 is the highest-power choice.