1956 BMW 501 vs. 1949 Jensen Interceptor
To start off, 1956 BMW 501 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Jensen Interceptor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Jensen Interceptor would be higher. At 3,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Jensen Interceptor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1949 Jensen Interceptor. (130 HP @ 3700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1949 Jensen Interceptor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Jensen Interceptor weights approximately 94 kg more than 1956 BMW 501.
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, 1949 Jensen Interceptor (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1949 Jensen Interceptor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1949 Jensen Interceptor | |
| Make | BMW | Jensen |
| Model | 501 | Interceptor |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 3990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
